Characteristics of the Amazons
he legend of the Amazons was one of the most popular themes among Greek artists. There is a vast number of depictions of Amazons.
Most images of Amazons show battle scenes. Amazons were considered very brave and fearless warriors, which is why only the most famous Greek heroes - such as Heracles, Achilles, and Theseus - were capable of defeating them. Depictions of the battle between Heracles and the Amazon queen Hippolyte, as well as the life-and-death duel between Achilles and Penthesilea before Troy, were particularly popular. Yet Amazons were also sexually desired; for instance, the Amazon queen Antiope was forcibly abducted by the Athenian hero Theseus. Amazons were not only very brave and bold; they were also regarded as dignified warriors. They were never portrayed as cruel, treacherous, or cowardly. For example, there are scenes of Amazons rescuing their wounded comrades at the risk of their own lives. |
This vase painting depicts the Greek hero Heracles battling the Amazon queen Andromache. |
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An Amazon carries a wounded comrade off the battlefield. |
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This picture most likely shows Themiskyra - the famous city of the Amazons. |
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Here you can see a female rider training a horse. Female riders were considered very skilled. |
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This remarkable depiction shows an Amazon performing her prayers in front of an altar. |
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This image depicts the earliest, widely accepted representation of Amazons. It dates from around 700 B.C. The two figures on the right are interpreted as Amazons; at the very least, they are female warriors, as small circles are drawn on the upper body of one figure, which can be interpreted as breasts. Both are armed with a spear and a shield; they also wear a long, patterned robe and a very wide belt. Most likely, this depiction shows the battle between Heracles and the Amazon queen Hippolyte. |
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