three women warriors

9 women warriors through history

From ancient to modern times, these brave heroes have taken up arms.

FIERCE. ARMED. IN COMMAND. Women over the centuries, scholars now understand, have both fought in battle and led whole armies. In these images, a modern historian brings us some of their stories.

This story is part of our November 2019 special issue of National Geographic magazine, “Women: A Century of Change.” Read more stories here.
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