War heroines of history: These women shaped the battles!

War heroines of history: These women shaped the battles!

When we think of military history, the names of famous warriors and strategists often come to mind - but what about the women who also played significant roles in these dramatic chapters of history? Military history has long ignored the achievements of women. Archaeological finds and a reassessment of old sources are now shedding light on this darkness. This shows that women also had what it takes to have courage and leadership, which is evident, for example: B. is impressively proven by science-et-vie.

A very special focus is on nine remarkable women fighters who come from different cultures and eras. These women show us that courage and strategic thinking know no gender boundaries.

The impressive women of military history

• Fu Hao (China, Dynastie Shang): Eine Pionierin, die nicht nur die Waffen, sondern auch das Kommando über 13.000 Soldaten führte und zahlreiche Schlachten gewann.
• Cynané (Mazedonien): Tochter von König Philipp II. wurde eine gefürchtete Kriegsführerin und versuchte, die Macht für ihre Tochter zu sichern.
• Mavia (Arabien, IV. Jahrhundert): Nach dem Tod ihres Mannes kämpfte sie erfolgreich gegen das Römische Reich und etablierte Frieden.
• Njinga (Angola, XVII. Jahrhundert): Sie führte ihre Truppen gegen koloniale Unterdrückung und meisterte sowohl Diplomatie als auch Krieg.
• Laskarína Bouboulína (Griechenland, 1821): Sie führte eine Flotte und finanzierte große Teile der griechischen Unabhängigkeitsbewegung.
• Juana Azurduy de Padilla (Bolivien, 1780): Sie organisierte eine Rebellenarmee und kämpfte gegen die Spanier, bis ihr Ruhm in Vergessenheit geriet.
• Nakano Takeko (Japan, 1868): Ihre Einheit von Frauen kämpfte im Boshin-Krieg, in dem sie ihr Leben verlor.
• Lozen (Apache, ca. 1840): Diese Kriegerin begleitete ihren Bruder in den Kampf und schützte unterdrückte Frauen und Kinder.
• Milunka Savić (Serbien, 1912): Sie meldete sich unter dem Namen ihres Bruders als Soldatin und zog für ihre Heldentaten an der Front immense Anerkennung auf sich.

These women make it clear that you don't need a male identity to have courage and strategic thinking. But how has the role of women in the military been perceived throughout history? According to an article at Wikipedia, open participation of women in armies was rarely documented before the 20th century. Nevertheless, women have always played a role in resistance movements and sieges and produced mythological figures such as Joan of Arc.

The changeability of the role of women in the military

What is particularly exciting is the fact that women in the West African kingdom of Dahomey fought as part of a women's army from the 17th to the 19th century and were led by female officers. However, the professionalization of armies around 1700 meant that many women were excluded from military service until special units for women were formed again in the 20th century.

There have been many changes in the last few decades. In many countries, women are now allowed to serve in all military areas. The proportion of women in the Bundeswehr will be around 13.7% in 2025, while in countries such as Norway there has been general compulsory military service for women since 2015.

So while these brave women of the past may have often been out of the spotlight, that is slowly changing. It's time to not just view these heroines as "fringe figures" in history, but to bring them to the forefront as examples of strength and resilience.