Amazons Flashcards
(22 cards)
Where did Greek myth believe the Amazons came from?
The far-east - outer limits of the world
Themiskyra is mentioned as their home.
Which regions contain similar stories to the Greek myth of the Amazons?
Egypt, Persia, Central Asia, China, India, and the Middle East
What areas around the Black Sea are associated with the Amazons?
Euria, modern-day Turkey
What belief is associated with the Amazons and the Scythian people?
They were referring to nomadic Scythian people
What evidence supports the existence of warrior women in Scythian culture?
300+ remains of Scythian women showed battle injuries
What was the social structure of the Amazons?
Queen is a ruler and major warrior, loyalty/unity within warriors
What was a common practice among Amazons regarding their bodies?
Removed one breast to make dealing with a bow easier
Who did the Amazons worship?
Artemis and Athena
What was the fate of Hippolyta in Greek mythology?
Hercules killed her while attempting to steal her war belt
What was significant about Penthesilea’s story in the Trojan War?
Killed by Achilles, who then fell in love with her
What was Antiope’s fate during battle?
Taken by Theseus during battle
How were women in Athenian society depicted?
Limited rights, confined to home, no participation in public life
What characteristics are associated with Amazons in Greek/Roman myth?
Skilled/fierce fighters, matriarchal society, archers, horseback riders
What purpose did stories of Amazon warriors serve in society?
Excuse to objectify women, provide examples of how women shouldn’t act
What type of source is an amphora?
A type of pottery from ancient Greece
What does the amphora painting depict?
An Amazonian warrior woman with Achilles and Penthiselea
What indicates the Athenian perspective in the amphora’s creation?
Wealthy Athenian owners and their limited knowledge of actual Amazons
What does the amphora reveal about the cultural values of the time?
Military values, intelligence, and beauty
What was found in the bronze age necropolis in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan?
Women buried with weapons and jewelry, indicating a matriarchal society
What evidence suggests the importance of women in Scythian society?
Women had injuries from fighting and signs of status through jewelry
What were the similarities between historical and mythological depictions of Amazons?
- Warrior values/traditions
- Similar weaponry, armor, and clothing
- Nomadic tribes
- General location
- Female importance in society
What differences exist between historical and mythological depictions of Amazons?
- Historical (S) vs. Mythological (A)
- Patriarchal (S) vs. Matriarchal (A)
- Cultural enemies (S) vs. mythological allies (A)
