Amazon Research Gallery

This impressive woman statuette made of silver and gold was found at Ankara in central Turkey. It shows a woman which seems to wear a cuirass. This statuette belongs to the early Bronze Age, it is at least 4000 years old. The finding of this figure in the neighborhood of the famous home of the Amazons at the river Thermodon (about 300 km to the Northeast) and its appearance as a woman warrior allows the conjecture that it is a contemporary representation of an Amazon.

This woman statuette was found at Alaca Hüyük in central Turkey. It belongs to the early Bronze Age, so it is at least 4000 years old. This figurine - with its chest in the shape of the pelta, the famous Amazon shield, and its boots - is strongly suggestive of classical Amazon representations. Actually, this statuette depicts a self-confident woman.

This relief slab shows on the left side Heracles wearing the lion cap. He attacks an Amazon by seizing her helmet with his left hand. This Amazon is defending herself with a battle axe. Apparently, it represents the combat between Heracles and the Amazon queen Hippolyte.

This marble sculpture shows the abduction of the Amazon queen Antiope. The Athenian hero Theseus has lifted Antiope up to his left shoulder and is about to carry her off. It is very extraordinary that the Amazon queen does not seem to offer resistance.

This slab was found in the harbor of Piraeus and depicts a scene which is an excerpt of the composition on the shield of Athena Parthenos made by the famous Greek sculptor Phidias (fifth century B.C.). On this shield there was shown the battle between Greeks and Amazons at Athens. On this slab a Greek has seized the hair of a fleeing Amazon and she has grabbed his wrist to lessen his pull.

About 440/430 BC. Ephesos organized a competition of the most famous contemporary Greek artists. The task was to create a statue of an Amazon. Three types of Amazons, each preserved in several copies, have been assigned to the artists Polykleitos, Phidias and Kresilas. The originals of these statues were probably of bronze.

Amazon of Ephesos.

Amazon of Ephesos.

This statuette shows an athletic woman as runner. She wears a short, belted chiton. Beside the fact that the woman has no weapons, this figure is a typical representation of an Amazon.

This statuette shows a running woman who wears a short chiton. Maybe this woman is a competitor of a running-match, but it is just as possible that this figure shows an Amazon who has lost her weapons and is fleeing from an assailant.

This slab was found in the harbor of Piraeus and depicts an excerpt of the composition on the shield of Athena Parthenos, the famous statue inside the Parthenon. On this shield there was pictured the battle between Greeks and Amazons at Athens, this scene shows an Amazon who is attacking a Greek with her spear.

Scene on the shield of Athena Parthenos: One Amazon who is armed with a sword and a shield attacks an almost nude Greek.

Scene on the shield of Athena Parthenos: There is an Amazon seen from behind who seems to sit on a rock. She is armed with the typical Amazon shield - the pelta.

The so-called Strangford Shield in London is a marble copy of the whole shield of Athena Parthenos, the famous statue inside the Parthenon. This fragmentary relief shows in miniature the wild battle between Amazons and Greeks at Athens.

This torso is a very beautiful copy of one of the famous Amazon statues of Ephesos (type I).

The original of this cast of an Ephesian Amazon statue (type I) is attributed to Phidias, one of the most famous classical Greek artists.

Amazon of Ephesos (type II).

This statuette of a riding Amazon is part of a plastic vase - a Rhyton. The Amazon is riding on a white horse, she wears trousers and a sleeved garment. She carried a spear in her right hand which may have been added in another material. A red quiver hangs by her side.

View from the front.

The picture on the Rhyton is also connected with this horsewoman: It shows a fight between an Amazon and a Greek.

Amazon from the altar of the Artemision in Ephesos.

This fragmented statue shows a dying Amazon who is about to collapse. Even in her last agony this Amazon radiates beauty and dignity.

Close up view.

This torso shows an Amazon as archeress who is kneeling on her right knee. On the left thigh are traces of the attachment of the quiver. Most probably, this figure belonged to the pediment of the Apollon temple at Eretria in Greece

This bronze statuette of a horsewoman was found in Dodona - a very important religious center - in northern Greece, and it is dated from about 550 BC. Though this riding woman carries no weapons which are significant for an Amazon, her appearance as proud, self-confident horsewoman indicates that this is the representation of an Amazon.

This furious fight between Amazons and Greeks is depicted on the right face of a Roman sarcophagus which originally comes from Thessaloniki, Greece. Representations of Amazons on sarcophagi were rather popular, maybe because of their high moral standing as courageous and unselfish warriors.

A fierce fight between Amazons and Greeks is depicted on this sarcophagus face.

In the center of this wild battle between Amazons and Greeks the deadly wounded Amazon queen Penthesileia is lovingly held up by Achilles.

In the center of this battle between Amazons and Greeks there is the deadly wounded Amazon queen Penthesileia who is lovingly held up by Achilles. The significance of this scene is obvious, that is why Achilles is much taller than the other fighters.

Amazons on horseback and on foot put up a stiff fight against Greek warriors. In the center of this scene Achilles is holding up the deadly wounded Amazon queen Penthesileia.

This so-called Fugger sarcophagus represents one of the finest compositions of Amazon battles. This detail shows a famous scene: A mounted Amazon is pulled down from her horse by a Greek who has seized her hair.

Detail of the previous picture.

This detail from the famous Fugger sarcophagus shows a mounted Amazon who turns round brandishing her sword to attack a Greek. A dead Amazon is lying on the ground.

This detail from the so-called Fugger sarcophagus shows a well-known scene: One mounted Amazon is pulled down from her horse by a Greek who has seized her hair.

This image on the narrow face of a Roman sarcophagus depicts the popular myth about Achilles and Penthesilea. The deadly wounded Amazon queen is leaning upon the Greek hero. Beside her, an Amazon is mourning for the queen. Her double-axe lies on the ground.

This marble relief presents a rather late specimen of the famous Amazon battles on sarcophagi. This sarcophagus dates from the third century A.D.

The fight of Amazons and Greeks was a favourite subject on Roman sarkophagi, this detail shows a very popular composition.

This furious battle between Amazons and Greeks is dominated by that famous scene: The deadly wounded Amazon queen Penthesileia in the arms of the Greek hero Achilles.

This battle between Amazons and Greeks shows a renowned scene: A Greek has seized the hair of a fleeing mounted Amazon and she has grabbed his wrist to lessen his pull.

The fight of Amazons and Greeks was a very popular subject on Roman sarcophagi.

The picture shows an Amazon practising the slingshot. She wears a short, sleeveless garment named chiton. Beside the sling she is also armed with the the bow and two lances.
It is a typical representation of a proud and pugnacious Amazon.

This picture shows a riding Amazon. She wears the so-called Scythian garment which consists of trousers and a long-sleeved coat, both are rich in ornament. Furthermore, she wears the typical Amazon cap.

An obviously dead Amazon is carried by a Greek warrior. This scene maybe shows Achilles carrying the dead Amazon queen Penthesileia. On the left side another Amazon is killed by a Greek.

On the left side there is Heracles who wears the characteristic lion-skin. He attacks a kneeling Amazon with the spear. This Amazon is armed with the spear and the famous crescent-shaped Amazon shield called pelta. Apparently she was forced to her knees by Heracles. From the right side another Amazon comes to her assistance.

On the left side there is Heracles who wears the characteristic lion-skin. He attacks a kneeling Amazon with the spear. This Amazon is armed with a spear and a bow. From the right side another Amazon comes to her assistance. She is armed with a spear and a round shield just like a Greek warrior.

An Amazon in Skythian costume has put her left foot on a rock and stoops over to tie the thongs of her ankle-guard. Quiver, bow and pelta are suspended behind her.

A nude Greek has just inflicted a second wound on the thigh of an Amazon who is falling backward half-supported by her bow. The Amazon wears a belted chiton and a pointed cap. Much blood gushes forth from her wounds below the right breast and the right thigh. With her right arm she seems to plead for mercy.

This picture shows the famous fight between Achilles and Penthesileia at Troy. The names of the two fighters are inscribed. Achilles' spear has penetrated the neck of Penthesileia and blood gushes forth. Penthesileia who is wearing a leopard-skin has turned her face towards Achilles, her eye is breaking.

This picture on the exterior of an eye-cup gives an excerpt from a battle-scene. An Amazon in chiton, corslet and pointed cap crouches behind her shield as if to meet the attack of a Greek.

Heracles has seized the helmet of an already kneeling Amazon and he is about to kill her with his sword. Another Amazon, wearing the oriental costume - pointed cap and trousers, is coming from the right side to help her. Her armour consists of a spear, a crescent-shaped shield and a quiver full of arrows around her waist.

Two Amazons are leading their horses. They are armed with two spears and wear a short chiton, cuirass, helmet and greaves.
This picture points out the fact that Amazons were regarded as very skillful horsewomen.

The abduction of the Amazon queen Antiope by Theseus.
The Greek hero Theseus, accompanied by his friend Perithous, is carrying off the Amazon queen Antiope. Antiope wears an oriental costume rich in ornament. A big quiver, with the bow attached to it, hangs by her side. In her left hand she holds a battle-axe, with her right she makes a sign to her companions.

This picture on the interior of a cup shows an Amazon running right. She has hung her bow over her left forearm, holding two arrows in her left hand and a battle-axe in the right. She wears the Scythian costume - trousers, pointed cap - and a short belted chiton.

The abduction of the Amazon queen Antiope by Theseus.
The Greek hero Theseus is carrying off the Amazon queen Antiope. A charioteer is waiting for him and his prey. Antiope wears greaves, a short chiton and a cuirass. Though she still has her sword, she seems to have lost her helmet and shield. Antiope looks back hoping for any companions who might come to her rescue.

A riding Amazon is attacking a Greek. She wears the Scythian costume and holds a spear in her right hand. Quiver and bow hang by her side; a pelta hangs on her back.

This picture on the interior of a cup shows two Amazons by themselves. The right one is an archer, she wears a sleeved and trousered combination and an oriental cap. She is armed with a bow and a battle-axe. The left Amazon is dressed like a Greek hoplite (= foot-soldier). She is armed with a spear, her shield leans behind her.
This picture depicts two very self-confident warrior women.

This fragment of a cup shows an armed Amazon. She wears a rounded cap and a Thrakian cloak, and she is armed with pelta and spear. Her spear is poised for a thrust.

One Amazon on foot is attacked by two Greeks on both sides. She turns back to one of the Greeks, her right arm raised with the axe; in the left hand she holds a bow. The Amazon wears the Scythian costume rich in ornament and the characteristic Amazon cap.

One mounted Amazon is attacking one Greek who fights on foot. In her right hand she holds a spear, quiver and bow hang by her side. The Amazon wears a skirt with a coat rich in ornament and the Amazon cap, the Greek is nude.

On this vase the fight of the Athenian hero Theseus against the Amazon queen Andromache is depicted. The names of the combatants are inscribed. On the left Theseus rushes up to Andromache who has fallen on her left knee and raises her right arm with the axe in a last effort at resistance. Behind her, Hippolyte and two other Amazons ride up to defend the fallen queen.

This picture on the exterior of a cup shows an arming scene of two Amazons. The left one is dressed like a Greek hoplite (= foot-soldier), but as yet is without shield and helmet. The right Amazon wears the Scythian costume, the dress is adorned with animals. She leans on her spear and carries a sword.

This fragment shows a very graceful Amazon who seems to be collapsing. She wears a sleeved dress under a belted peplos (= mantle), and a helmet. In her left hand she holds the bow, the right arm is raised and extended. She looks up at her opponent.

This fragment shows an Amazon who is dismounting. She wears a sleeved undergarment, a chiton and a spotted skin over it. In her left hand she has a spear, and a pelta of uncommon shape.

This vase shows a battle on foot between Amazons and Greeks. In the center a bearded nude Greek is attacked by two Amazons and tries to escape to the left, looking around. The Amazon on his left attacks with a sabre, the one on the right with an axe. Behind the latter a young Greek runs up with a drawn sword in his right. The costume of the Amazons consists of a sleeved and trousered combination under a belted tunic, and an Amazon cap. The one with the axe also wears a mantle.

This Amazon wears the typical sleeved and trousered combination, the dress is black and decorated with rows of white dots. A very big quiver hangs by her side. On the other side of this vase there is a palm-tree, therefore it seems likely that this picture shows a Libyan Amazon.

Heracles is battling against three Amazons. On his left an Amazon who is dressed as an archer - Amazon cap, quiver and bow - takes to flight. In the center an already defeated Amazon is lying on the ground and tries to ward off the attack of Heracles holding her Amazon shield - the pelta - against him. From the right side another Amazon comes to her assistance.

Heracles who is accompanied by Athena fights against four Amazons. One of these Amazons has already collapsed, two Amazons are bravely attacking Heracles whereas an archer is fleeing. The Amazons are finely dressed. The fallen Amazon wears a tunic which has richly woven bands of animals and geometric ornaments, as well as a tasselled fringe.

One mounted Amazon is attacking two Greeks. She is dressed as an archer - a sleeved and trousered combination, the characteristic Amazon cap and a bow. She thrusts her spear at the right side of the fleeing Greek.

This rather curious picture shows an Amazon who seems to be blowing the trumpet. She wears trousers, a knee-long chiton, the typical Amazon cap, and holds a shield.

One Amazon archeress turns round for shooting. She wears a sleeved and trousered combination and the typical Amazon cap.

The complete picture on this vase shows the battle between Amazons and Greeks in front of an Amazon city, probably Themiskyra. On this detail an Amazon is fleeing to the city gates of the secure Amazon fortress. Themiskyra is depicted with crenellated battlements, guarded by Amazons. The fleeing Amazon turns round brandishing the spear to cast off her pursuer.

Detail of the battle between Amazons and Greeks in front of the city gates of Themiskyra. Two furious single combats are depicted, a dead Greek lies on the ground.

This picture shows two riding Amazons who are armed with spears. It is a typical representation of Amazons as self-confident, mounted warrior women.

A mounted Amazon is attacking one Greek who fights on foot. She is armed with a spear, and she wears the typical sleeved and trousered combination, and the Amazon cap.

On this vase a fierce battle between Amazons and Greeks is depicted. This picture shows a very odd detail. The Amazon wears a hair-ribbon with two feathers in it - a conspicuous parallel to the feather head-dress of the American Indians!

This detail of a big battle composition shows a kneeling Amazon as archer who is about to shoot an arrow. A very big quiver hangs by her side.

Heracles has raised his sword to kill an already fleeing Amazon. This Amazon is armed with spear and shield. She has broken down on her right knee and turns round looking in the eyes of her subduer.

An Amazon dressed in a corslet and an Amazon-cap stoops in front of a horse to put on a greave. This picture reflects the close familiarity of Amazons with horses.

This vase shows a wild battle between Amazons and Greeks in front of the city gates of Themiskyra. On this detail a Greek warrior pursues a fleeing Amazon, a dead Greek lies on the ground.

The picture on this vase shows two Amazons who are leading their horses. This presentation reflects the close relation of the Amazons to horses.

This vase shows three Amazons galloping right. They are armed with spears, two of them also have a sword. Most probably this picture depicts the famous Amazon cavalry.

This picture on the exterior of a cup shows two Amazons who have a conversation. The left one wears a sleeved and trousered combination and is armed with a sword and a battle-axe, whereas the right Amazon is armed with spear and shield.

This picture on the interior of a cup shows a riding Amazon. She wears greaves, a corslet and a helmet. A big quiver hangs by her side.

This vase depicts three Amazons who are testing their bows. This one wears a showy garment with a checker-board pattern.

On this vase there is depicted a wild battle between Amazons and Greeks. The center of this scene shows an Amazon who is driving her chariot across the battle-field.

This vase shows a rather enigmatic scene: An Amazon attacks with her spear another Amazon who is down on her left knee and looks round to face her attacker. Behind her, a third Amazon comes to her assistance.

The subject on this vase is the harnessing of the chariot by Amazons. All four Amazons wear the characteristic Amazon cap, the left-most Amazon carries a battle-axe.

This fragmented cup shows the image of an Amazon who is dressed as an archeress. She wears a sleeved jacket, the typical rounded Amazon cap, and holds a bow in her hand.

In the center Heracles with the lion-skin is about to kill the Amazon Andromache with the sword. Behind her, the Greek Telamon has already plunged his sword into the chest of an Amazon named Glauke. On the opposite side an Amazon named Iphito is killing an already lying Greek who pleads for mercy.

This image shows those two types of Amazons which are characteristic for Greek representations. The left one is the archer type wearing the so-called Scythian costume - a sleeved and trousered combination and a pointed cap. The right Amazon is the Greek type - dressed like a Greek foot-soldier.

On this picture an Amazon is carrying an injured or dead comrade. In front of her an Amazon who is dressed as an archer turns around to view the victim.

Heracles wearing the characteristic lion-skin has seized the Amazon Andromache by the crest of her helmet and is about to bring his club down on her. It is noteworthy that Andromache wears an ear-ring.

This very early vase-painting comes from Samothrace, and is unfortunately lost. But we have a drawing which shows two files of opposed warriors. There are inscriptions, so we know the names. The left three warriors are named Andromeda, Alkinoa and Aleximacha - these are typical Amazon names. Their opponent is Heracles. The left Amazon is armed with quiver and bow, and she presumably wears the typical Amazon cap. This is the earliest representation of an Amazon as archeress.

On this vase a naked Greek attacks a fleeing Amazon with his spear. She looks round at her pursuer, ready to defend herself with the battle-axe. In her left hand she holds a bow. Quite unusual is the garment of this Amazon. She wears a long belted dress which does not seem fit for battle.

This fragment of a Greek vase depicts a popular scene. Heracles and his companion Telamon are pursuing two fleeing Amazons, Heracles has already reached for the helmet of the Amazon Andromache. Andromache turns round to face Heracles. She is armed with a spear, a sword and a shield.

The interpretation of this vase-painting is not quite clear. An Amazon runs right and looks round. She wears a short garment and a pointed cap, and carries a bow and battle-axe. An ear-ring clearly marks her as woman. The interpretation of the second person is not definite. It can be a Greek warrior who is pursuing the Amazon, but it is also possible that it is a second Amazon who is dressed as a hoplite (= foot-soldier).

An Amazon is about to defeat a Greek who is looking around for help from his companion.

This scene depicts the combat of Heracles and the Amazon queen Andromache. It is rather curious that the Amazon queen fights without helmet.

One armed Amazon is riding peacefully accompanied by her hunting-dog.

Two Amazons are taking the offensive, one on horseback, the other one on foot as archer. The fierce glare of the riding Amazon is very remarkable.

This picture shows a very popular scene - Heracles fights Andromache. But there is a very odd detail. The helmet of Andromache has a crest in the shape of lobster-claws!

This picture shows seven riding Amazons - an Amazon cavalry. They do not ride in formation but are strung out. Some Amazons carry a pelta (= typical Amazon shield).

On this vase Heracles and his comrade Telamon are battling against three Amazons.

This close up view shows the fierce face of a fighting Amazon.

In the center of this vase-painting there is Heracles in combat with Andromache and her companion. To the right Telamon - the companion of Heracles - is defeating an Amazon who has fallen on the ground before him. In the left part of the panel, an Amazon carries her dead companion away from the battle-field.

This vase depicts an arming scene of Amazons. One Amazons is just putting on her helmet. It is rather strange that a lion accompanies the Amazons.

One Amazon on foot is attacking an opponent in a wheeling chariot.

Heracles is about to kill an already defeated Amazon with his sword. This Amazon has broken down and seems to await the deadly stroke. She is armed with sword and pelta.

Heracles and his comrade are battling against two Amazons.
It is striking that this vase-painting was found on the Greek island Lemnos (Limnos) which was much connected with the Amazons. The ancients called this island predominated by women.

This picture shows a girl in Bikini who is training her body with dumb-bells. Possibly it is the figure of an Amazon training her muscles.

This picture shows two girls in Bikini who are playing with a little ball. Maybe this scene depicts the peaceful private life of Amazons.

This picture shows two running girls, both are wearing a Bikini. Possibly this scene depicts a running-match of two Amazons.

A Greek steps on the left leg of a fallen Amazon and thrusts his spear at her right side. The Amazon wears a pointed cap and a belted chiton. She also has ear-rings and a necklace. A quiver is by her side. In her left hand she holds a bow, her right is letting the spear go.