Warrior Women

Warrior Women

Ancient Celtic Tribes

• In the societies of ancient Celtic tribes, women often held positions of authority and could be warriors, druids, and leaders.
• Women warriors were common in Celtic mythology, such as Queen Boudicca who led a major uprising against occupying Roman forces.
• Celtic women had control over their own possessions and could represent themselves in law, a significant contrast to women’s rights in other societies of this time.

Amazon Warriors

• The Amazons were a legendary nation of female warriors in Greek mythology, renowned for their courage and martial skill.
• Greek literature and art often depict Amazon warriors as skilled horsewomen and archers.
• They are depicted as living independently, without the presence of men and are often shown battling Greek heroes, showcasing their might and skill.

Scythian Warrior Women

• Historical artefacts and graves suggest that Scythian women may have been real-life counterparts to the mythical Amazons.
• Evidence from burial sites suggests that Scythian warrior women lived around the 7th century BC in what is now Russia and Ukraine.
• These women were buried with weapons, horse-riding equipment and injuries suggesting they participated in combat.

Japanese Onna-bugeisha

• The Onna-bugeisha were female warriors belonging to the Japanese nobility. They were members of the bushi (samurai) class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of weapons.
• Many of them engaged in battle, commonly alongside samurai men to protect household, family and honour.
• The most iconic weapon of the onna-bugeisha was the naginata, a spear with a curved, sword-like blade that was ideal for keeping enemies at a distance.

Remember these examples of warrior women as they help to broaden the understanding of women’s roles in ancient societies and challenge the traditional gender norms of the time.