in ancient times were there any women judges or magistrates

Yes, in ancient times, there were women who served as judges or held positions of authority, although their roles were often limited and varied greatly depending on the culture and time period. Here are some notable examples:

**Deborah (Judges 4-5)**: In ancient Israel, Deborah was a prophetess and a judge who led the Israelites in a successful military campaign against the Canaanites as described in the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. She is one of the few female leaders mentioned in the biblical text.

**Theigha in Ancient Mesopotamia**: In some instances, there are records of women holding judicial authority in ancient Mesopotamia. For example, certain legal documents indicate that women could act as judges or arbitrators in specific circumstances.

**Women in Ancient Rome**: While women in ancient Rome could not typically hold formal positions of power such as judges or magistrates, they could wield influence through their family connections or act in unofficial capacities. Some women from elite families, such as the Vestal Virgins, held significant religious roles that could involve aspects of judgment and authority.

**Women in Ancient Egypt**: Women in Ancient Egypt had more rights and could own property, which sometimes allowed them to serve in legal capacities, although this was not the norm. Some women, particularly from the upper classes, gained influence and could impact legal decisions through their societal position.

**Greek and Roman Context**: In Ancient Greece, women were largely excluded from public life, including political roles. However, in some city-states, women could serve in religious duties that afforded them a degree of authority. In contrast, certain Roman women in elite classes could exert influence over legal and political matters.

**Sumerian Legal Texts**: Some Sumerian texts suggest that women could have roles in legal proceedings, although detailed examples of female judges are rare.

Overall, while there were notable instances of women in judicial roles, these were exceptions rather than the rule in most ancient societies. Most legal systems were predominantly male-dominated, and women's formal judicial roles were limited.