According to Greek mythology, the Amazons were an exclusive female nation residing on the south coast of the Black Sea. Except for a few male slaves, Amazon usually mated with Gargarean males to propagate Amazon daughters. All male infants
were sent to their fathers. A young Amazon was trained in agriculture, hunting, and the skills of war.
Amazon warriors were very spiritual, reverent to Mother Earth, and among the greatest equestrians, reverent to animals,
as well. Legends tell that the Amazons invaded Greece, Syria, the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Libya, and the islands of the Aegean. Kupru Kale, a fortress in N. Turkey, is considered the last Amazon stronghold. Sections of the fortress still exist today.
MATRIARCHAT
In various parts of the globe anthropologists found cultures where the rights of the mother exceeded those of the father and/or women have taken on roles otherwise considered male.
Such a society is called a matriarchate.
History records many instances of women warriors. In modern times the king of Dahomey (now Benin) had an army of women.
A female "battalion of death" fought in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Women soldiers served with Soviet troops in World War II, and the South Korean army had women fighters in 1950.
Women were active in the Israeli army's conflicts with the Arabs.
(Did you know, Dr. Ruth used to be an Israel sniper?)
AMAZON RIVER CURIOUSITY
In 1541, a Spanish explorer, Francisco de ORELLANA, explored the Peruvian Andes and followed a river little more than 160 km (100 mi) from the Pacific Ocean, that descended into the Atlantic Ocean. He reported being attacked by fierce female warriors and named the river AMAZON, after Greek mythology.
What do you think he saw?
AMAZON QUEEN: Omphale
According to Greek mythology, Queen Omphale bought Hercules, a 3-year punishment, from the god Hermes profiding a brawny
slave. Hercules had murdered his friend Iphitus and stole the Delphic tripod.(Tuft University Site)
Setting the mighty male hero to domestic chores, Omphale truly made Hercules reaquaint his humilty. I really love this story!
MORE ON AMAZONS
101 Amazons
SARMATIONS
The Sarmatians were nomads (6 BC-4AD ; lived in Russia roughly 4th Century BC to 4th Century
AD) who may have been fire worshipers. In order to marry, young Sarmatian women needed to kill an enemy in battle. Because of this custom, some historians feel the Greeks may have
generated tales about Amazon warriors. Many Sarmatian tombs have been found in Russia near Kuban. Women warriors buried with weapons and male warriors.
Warrior Women of Eurasia:
Sarmatians
During the period of their greatest power, they were a constant threat to Roman provinces in the Balkans, particularly Dacia (modern Romania). They were overcome by the Huns and the Goths.
Time Magazine, Amazon Gravesite
For more Warrior Women, check out: The
Great Sikh Warriors
Extra, Extra
WONDER WOMAN FAN CLUB||
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine ||
PRINCTON UNIVERSITY: Gender
and Immortality, Catelog of heroines
Amazon temple, one
of Seven Wonders of the World
Amazon index
Amazons and
Archaelogy
4000 years of Women in Science
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Every Celtic thing on the Web
IRISH MYTHS
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