Women Warriors - Ancient

In ancient times, a few women are known for leading their people in war. Here are a few of the better-known warrior queens and other warrior women of ancient and classical history.

Artemisia
In the 5th century B.C.E., this queen of Halicarnassus helped Xerxes against the Greeks, then helped talk Xerxes out of pursuing his conquest of Greece. Biography from your About Guide to Women's History.

Boudicca or Boadicea - Celtic Warrior Queen
Boudicca was a British Celtic warrior queen who led a revolt against Roman occupation.

Cartimandua
Queen of the Brigantes, she signed a peace treaty with the invading Romans, and ruled as a client of Rome. Then she dumped her husband, and even Rome couldn't keep her in power -- and they ultimately took direct control, so her ex didn't win, either.

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt
Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, was the last Pharaoh of Egypt. Depicted in history as a seductress and manipulator, she allied herself with two powerful Romans, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, in an attempt to maintain the power of the Ptolemies over Egypt.

Semiramis (Sammu-Ramat)
Legendary warrior queen of Assyria, she's credited with building a new Babylon as well as conquest of neighboring states. Biography from your About Guide to Women's History.

Zenobia
Biography of Zenobia, by Sue M. Sefscik, on this Women's History Site.

Female Pharaohs
Here's an overview of the women historians and archaeologists believe can be identified as having served as female Pharaoh, or ruler. Many served in times of unrest and war.

Warrior Women - A Book Review
A review of Dr. Jeannine Davis Kimball's 2002 book about the existence of the supposedly legendary women called the Amazons.

Ancient Women Warriors
Ancient History Guide, N. S. Gill, documents key women warriors of the ancient world.

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