Warrior Women

Women who have proven their ability to serve in the military from different periods of history.

by eddiego65

Women have often been labeled as the "weaker sex," particularly in patriarchal societies where women do not enjoy the same rights as men. Though their participation in the male-dominated world of the military had been controversial throughout history, there were many who have proven themselves to be just as capable as their male counterparts. Listed as follows are but ten of the many military women from different times and places in history:

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1. Joan of Arc

   
   Known as the "Maid of Orleans," she was granted the command of the French army in 1429 at a tender age of only 16 or17 by the Dauphin of France (the future Charles VII) during the Hundred Years' War. She was sent to Siege of Orleans, where she captured all the English fortifications in just 9 days. Her victories in Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency and Patay helped regained almost every English possession in France.




2. Septima Zenobia

   
   She possessed exceptional beauty and was well educated, able to speak Latin, Greek, Syriac and Coptic. Upon claiming the throne of the Palmyrene Empire (present day Syria) (3rd century A.D.) upon the death of her husband Septimus Odenathus, she led armies in defeating the Romans, who weren't too thrilled on having women ruling their vast territories. She also conquered parts of Egypt and Asia Minor, but was ultimate betrayed by the new emperor Aurelian due to gender prejudice.










3. Ahhotep I (1560-1530 B.C.)

   She acted as regent when her young son Ahmose I ascended the throne of Egypt. She personally trained, equipped and rallied her troops in defeating the Hyksos invaders; and united Upper and Lower Egypt under one rule. This warrior queen, whose military exploits were recounted on a stone monument in the temple of Amun-Re, was found buried with three "golden fly" medals symbolizing her heroic courage in battle.
   
   



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