Description
Book Synopsis: The real history of the Amazons in war and love.
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.
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.
Details
Unlock the secrets of the legendary Amazons with "The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World" book. Dive into the captivating world of fierce warrior women who once ruled the fringes of the known world. Discover their mythical encounters with Greek heroes like Heracles and Achilles, and celebrate their triumph over powerful armies. This National Book Award finalist by Adrienne Mayor is a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring stunning illustrations and ground-breaking archaeological discoveries.
Delve into the depths of history as Mayor unravels the enigma of the Amazons. Gone are the days of considering them mere figments of imagination. Recent archaeological finds of battle-scarred female skeletons, buried with their weapons, provide solid evidence that these warrior women were not myth but reality. By combining classical myth, nomad traditions, and scientific archaeology, Mayor paints an intimate picture of the lives and legends of the Amazons. Prepare to be surprised by original insights and previously unknown details.
Discover why the allure of the Amazons transcends time in this remarkable book. Mayor argues that the fascination with these warrior women stems from a universal quest for balance between the sexes. Alongside the tales of war, she uncovers captivating love stories that captivated the imaginations not only of the Greeks but also the Egyptians, Persians, Indians, Central Asians, and Chinese. With a detective's keen eye for detail, Mayor unearths long-buried evidence, separating fact from fiction and revealing the true nature of these incredible women.
Don't miss out on this immersive journey into the ancient world of the Amazons. Explore their triumphs, uncover their mysteries, and gain a profound understanding of their place in history. Order your copy of "The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World" now and embark on a thrilling adventure that will leave you awestruck.
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