Five Women Warriors

Women have often been disputed as not being able to hold their own. Historians beg to differ. Women throughout history have fought valiantly and courageously. Little is known about most of these women since history of the past was written by men. And who wants to write about women who can kick butt better than men? Here are five women who literally kicked butt and took names.

Queen Boudicca (d. 61 BC)

In 43 CE, the Romans invaded Britain, forcing many Celtic tribes to submit. Only two tribes were allowed to keep some of their power. Boudicca’s husband, Prasutagus was one of them. When he died, Boudicca stepped up as leader. The Romans decided they wanted complete rule of the Icenii. Boudicca was publicly flogged, her daughters raped, and many of the royal family members were sold into slavery. Boudicca, outraged at such humiliation, led an insurrection against the Romans. She burned down several cities, the main one being Londinium (modern day London) and massacred its entire inhabitants of 25,000. Boudicca’s last battle would end in defeat due to the hunger and exhaustion of her army. Her fate is unknown, and some stories have her either dying in battle or consuming poison.

The Gladiatrix Achillia and Amazon

Once upon a time, the Romans had to get their kicks and giggles by watching gladiators fight in the arenas. A little known historical fact, is women were also amongst those who fought for their lives. They were known as the Gladiatrix. Little is known about these women since the men were more popularized. However, Achillia and Amazon were indeed truly great warriors. They were immortalized in a stone relief taken from Halicarnassus. In the relief, the women stand face to face with swords drawn and shields raised in an eternal stance. It is said that they won their freedom, having fought one another to near death.

Tomoe Gozen

She was described as being beautiful as well as a strong warrior. She is heralded in Japanese history as being a true samurai. She served her husband Yoshinaka at the end of the 12th century. More legend surrounds her than fact. But what is known, was that she was brave and loyal to her husband. Fighting beside him at the battle of Awazu, Yoshinaka ordered her to flee rather than face capture. Instead she held off the enemy long enough to allow her husband to commit suicide. She then brought down the enemy’s strongest warrior, Onda, and sliced off his head. What happened to Tomoe after the battle is still somewhat of a mystery. Some say she lived the rest of her life as a Buddhist nun.

Queen Suriyothai

Suriyothai was a Thai queen during the 16th century. When her country was invaded by the King of Siam, her husband King Mana Chakapat, rode into battle atop his war elephant. Women were not allowed to partake in battle. But so concerned was Suriyothai for her husband’s safety, that she dressed as a man and rode into battle on her own war elephant. The king collapsed in battle, and Suriyothai rode over to him. During her attempt to save the king, she was slain.