Throughout history, women have not only cared for their families but have also taken up arms to defend their lands, fight for power, and lead armies into battle. From historical military leaders to legendary warrior queens, these remarkable figures challenged the expectations of their times and left their mark on history.
1 Joan of Arc
During the Hundred Years’ War, France faced the threat of defeat. In 1429, as the English siege of Orléans continued, news spread that a young woman had come to the French dauphin, Charles, claiming that she had been chosen by God to help liberate France and secure his coronation. She was Joan of Arc, who was about 17 years old at the time. Joan inspired French troops and played a crucial role in lifting the siege of Orléans. Although she did not command armies in the same way as a modern general, her presence and leadership helped transform French morale. Captured in 1430, she was tried by a pro-English ecclesiastical court and burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431 on charges of heresy. Her conviction was later overturned, and she was canonized in 1920.
2 The Amazons
In ancient Greek mythology, the Amazons were a legendary nation of female warriors, often portrayed as skilled horse riders, hunters, and archers who fought neighboring peoples. Their queens included figures such as Penthesilea and Hippolyta. According to some myths, the Amazons had relationships with men from other communities to have children. The traditional explanation that the word “Amazon” means “breastless” led to a legend that they removed or burned one breast to make archery easier. This story is not supported by reliable evidence, and the word’s actual origin remains disputed. Archaeological discoveries of women buried with weapons in ancient Eurasian steppe cultures may have contributed to the stories behind the myth.
3 Ahhotep
Ahhotep was an ancient Egyptian royal woman who lived around the end of the Second Intermediate Period, during the struggle to expel the Hyksos rulers from Egypt. She is associated with the early Eighteenth Dynasty and the reigns of kings Seqenenre Tao, Kamose, and Ahmose I. A commemorative inscription praises her role in maintaining order and supporting Egypt during a period of conflict. Weapons and military decorations, including objects associated with valor, were discovered in a tomb attributed to a queen named Ahhotep. These finds have led some historians to suggest that she played an active political or military role. However, the precise details of her involvement remain debated, and she did not found the Eighteenth Dynasty herself.
4 Black Agnes
Agnes Randolph, known as Black Agnes, was the wife of Patrick, Earl of Dunbar and March, and became famous for defending Dunbar Castle in Scotland. In 1338, during the wars between England and Scotland, English forces led by William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury, besieged the castle for approximately five months. Agnes helped organize its defense and became celebrated for her courage and defiance. According to traditional accounts, she even ordered servants to clean the castle walls after enemy attacks, mocking the besiegers’ efforts. The English ultimately abandoned the siege, and Agnes became a symbol of Scottish resistance.
5 Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII (69–30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Known for her political intelligence and diplomatic skill, she formed an alliance and romantic relationship with the Roman general Mark Antony. Cleopatra contributed ships and resources to their struggle against Octavian, the future emperor Augustus. Their forces were defeated at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, after which Cleopatra and Antony retreated to Egypt. Following Octavian’s invasion and the collapse of their position, both died by suicide in 30 BC. Cleopatra was not primarily known as a battlefield commander, but her political and military alliances made her one of the most influential rulers of the ancient world.
6 Cordelia
Cordelia is a legendary queen of ancient Britain, known from the medieval historian Geoffrey of Monmouth’s account of British kings. In the legend, she was the youngest daughter of King Leir. After her father died, Cordelia ruled Britain for several years before her nephews rebelled against her. She was defeated, taken prisoner, and died by suicide. Her story later inspired William Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear,” although Shakespeare’s Cordelia is a different character in important respects. There is no reliable historical evidence that Cordelia or King Leir existed as described in these stories.
7 Olympias
Olympias (c. 375–316 BC) was a princess of Epirus, the wife of Philip II of Macedon, and the mother of Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death in 323 BC, she became involved in the struggles for control of the Macedonian Empire and sought to protect the interests of her grandson, Alexander IV. In 317 BC, she returned to Macedonia with military support and defeated her political opponents. She ordered the deaths of Philip III Arrhidaeus and his wife, Eurydice. Cassander later besieged her forces and captured her. Although her life was reportedly promised in exchange for her surrender, she was executed in 316 BC. Olympias was a powerful political figure who used military alliances and force to defend her family’s claim to the throne.
8 Gwendolen
Gwendolen was a legendary queen of ancient Britain described in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s medieval chronicle. According to the story, she was married to King Locrinus, who later abandoned her for another woman. Gwendolen gathered an army and went to war against him, defeating him in battle and taking control of the kingdom. She then ruled Britain in her own right before eventually handing power to her son. Although her story presents her as a determined military leader, Gwendolen belongs to British legend rather than verifiable history.
9 Matilda, Countess of Tuscany
Matilda of Tuscany (c. 1046–1115) was one of the most powerful noblewomen in medieval Italy. She controlled extensive territories and became a major supporter of the papacy during the Investiture Controversy, a struggle between the pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over the appointment of bishops. Matilda supported Pope Gregory VII and later Pope Urban II, providing troops and military leadership for the papal cause. She was involved in numerous military campaigns against forces loyal to Emperor Henry IV. Rather than simply retiring from public life, she remained politically influential for much of her lifetime. Her leadership made her one of the most prominent female rulers of medieval Europe.
10 Joanna of Flanders, Countess of Montfort
Joanna of Flanders, also known as Jeanne de Montfort (c. 1295–1374), was the wife of John of Montfort, a claimant to the Duchy of Brittany. During the War of the Breton Succession, her husband was captured by his enemies, leaving Joanna to lead their faction. In 1342, she organized the defense of Hennebont against the forces of Charles of Blois. According to contemporary accounts, she wore armor, encouraged the defenders, and led approximately 300 men in a surprise attack on the enemy camp, setting it on fire. She then managed to reach safety and obtain reinforcements. Her determination and military leadership helped her side survive the siege and secure support from England. She became known as “Jeanne la Flamme,” or “Fiery Joanna.”
