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The real history of the Amazons in war and loveAmazons―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.Mayor tells how amazing new archaeological discoveries of battle-scarred female skeletons buried with their weapons prove that women warriors were not merely figments of the Greek imagination. Combining classical myth and art, nomad traditions, and scientific archaeology, she reveals intimate, surprising details and original insights about the lives and legends of the women known as Amazons. Provocatively arguing that a timeless search for a balance between the sexes explains the allure of the Amazons, Mayor reminds us that there were as many Amazon love stories as there were war stories. The Greeks were not the only people enchanted by Amazons―Mayor shows that warlike women of nomadic cultures inspired exciting tales in ancient Egypt, Persia, India, Central Asia, and China.Driven by a detective's curiosity, Mayor unearths long-buried evidence and sifts fact from fiction to show how flesh-and-blood women of the Eurasian steppes were mythologized as Amazons, the equals of men. The result is likely to become a classic.

Journey through the captivating world of warrior women with Adrienne Mayor's "The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World." This remarkable book delves into the intriguing history and mythology surrounding the legendary Amazons, fierce female warriors who have fascinated cultures for centuries.

Mayor brings together archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and captivating storytelling to explore the origins and significance of the Amazon myth. From the steppes of Central Asia to the shores of the Black Sea, she uncovers the real-life warrior women who inspired these tales.

Discover the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Thracians, nomadic tribes whose women fought alongside men in battle. Meet the fierce women of ancient Greece, including the formidable Penthesilea, who challenged Achilles on the battlefield. Explore the Amazon myths of Egypt, Libya, and North Africa, where warrior goddesses like Sekhmet and Neith were revered.

With meticulous research and captivating prose, Mayor sheds light on the cultural and historical context of the Amazons. She examines the role of women in ancient warfare, the significance of female deities, and the ways in which the Amazon myth has been interpreted and reinterpreted throughout history.

"The Amazons" is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, mythology, and the enduring power of female warriors. Mayor's book challenges traditional narratives and offers a fresh perspective on the lives and legends of these extraordinary women.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Amazons and gain a deeper understanding of their enduring legacy. "The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World" by Adrienne Mayor is a captivating exploration of female power and the enduring fascination with warrior women.