The Amazons
Subtitle: lives and legends of warrior women across the ancient world
By: Adrienne Mayor
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 519
ISBN-13: 9780691147208
Subjects: Amazons in literature; Social conditions; Prehistoric Women; Women soldiers; Amazons; Greek Mythology; History
Description: Amazons--fierce warrior women dwelling on the fringes of the known world--were the mythic archenemies of the ancient Greeks. Heracles and Achilles displayed their valor in duels with Amazon queens, and the Athenians reveled in their victory over a powerful Amazon army. In historical times, Cyrus of Persia, Alexander the Great, and the Roman general Pompey tangled with Amazons. But just who were these bold barbarian archers on horseback who gloried in fighting, hunting, and sexual freedom? Were Amazons real? In this deeply researched, wide-ranging, and lavishly illustrated book, National Book Award finalist Adrienne Mayor presents the Amazons as they have never been seen before. This is the first comprehensive account of warrior women in myth and history across the ancient world, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Great Wall of China.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 439-502) and index.