The Women Warriors That Defied The Expectations And Social...

Amazons, the women warriors that defied the expectations and social structures of the patriarchal world of antiquity. These women left a strong impact on Greece, and the tribe was often featured in Greek mythology and artwork. Dolls were crafted in the Amazons’ likeness, and given to young girls as toys;[1] Male lovers used artwork featuring Amazons as gifts for one another; there are over five-hundred Grecian vases that portray Amazons, and often in combat with Greek heroes.[2] Many classicist historians argue that Amazons were merely Grecian creations; their purpose was to entertain and amuse the Greeks through art and storytelling, along with establish Greece’s superiority from their patriarchal society.[3] While it is most likely true†¦show more content†¦This paper is meant to examine the Amazons’ true lifestyle as a warrior beyond Greek mythology, including their true sexual natures and desire for companionship. To begin this study, we must first discuss those of which the Amazons are based on, the Scythian women. Located northeast of Greece was the Scythian homeland, land that is now modern day Russia and south-eastern Europe. It was there that many nomadic tribes lived. These people learned how to ride horseback at a young age, and spent their entire lives traveling with their respective tribes. Men and women lived as equals, wore trousers, covered themselves with tattoos, and participated in archery. Greece was very close to Scythian nomads that lived near the Black Sea. Their land was a â€Å"boundless, uncultivated sweep,† compared to Greece which itself was littered with small towns and farmland. Also, the idea of a woman that found herself equal to a man was unfamiliar to the Greeks. Understandably, the Greeks felt threatened by such a lifestyle, but they were also fascinated. Strong, ferocious women that rode horseback and participated in combat were otherworldly and almost un real. Early Grecian storytelling surrounding Amazons originally featured male Scythian allies, who would follow the Amazons into battle. In these