On November 17, 1558, Elizabeth inherited the realm of England from her sister Mary. The twenty-five-year-old queen faced a series of challenges. She had to overcome the stern opposition of those who thought a woman could not rule. She also had to decide whom to marry, or whether to marry at all. Above all, she had to find a safe path through the deadly controversies over religion. But Elizabeth had prepared systematically for the moment and, in an era dominated by men, she was confident of her ability to rule.