Amazonomachy (Detail)
conceptThe recurring mythological battles between Greek heroes and the Amazons, depicted on temples and pottery as a symbol of civilisation's triumph over the "other."
The Myth
The Amazonomachy — battles between Greeks and Amazons — appeared repeatedly in Greek mythology and art. Heracles' ninth labour required him to obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. During this expedition, a misunderstanding led to battle, and Heracles killed Hippolyta (or Theseus took her, provoking the Amazon invasion of Attica). Theseus fought the Amazons at Athens itself, where they besieged the Acropolis. The Amazons were depicted on the Parthenon metopes alongside the Gigantomachy, Centauromachy, and the Sack of Troy — four mythological wars symbolising order defeating chaos. During the Trojan War, the Amazon queen Penthesilea fought for Troy and was killed by Achilles, who fell in love with her as she died. The Amazon warrior culture — women who rode, fought, hunted, and governed — fascinated and disturbed Greek male culture in equal measure.
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Amazon company was named by Jeff Bezos after the Amazon River, which was itself named by Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana in 1542 after he was attacked by fierce indigenous warriors he compared to the mythological Amazons. The river's name, and therefore the company's, traces back to Greek mythology about warrior women. Every Amazon package delivered is etymologically connected to Heracles' quest for Hippolyta's girdle.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Amazonomachy
conceptThe Amazonomachy was the legendary battle between the Athenians and the Amazons who invaded Athens...
Amazons of Themiscyra
creatureThe warrior women of Themiscyra on the Black Sea coast who fought, hunted, and governed...
Centauromachy
conceptThe Centauromachy was the famous battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs at the wedding of...
Gigantomachy
conceptThe great battle between the Olympian gods and the Giants, fought to defend the divine order...
Theseus (Ship)
conceptThe Ship of Theseus is a thought experiment about identity: if you replace every plank of a ship...
Trojan Horse
conceptThe hollow wooden horse used by the Greeks to infiltrate and destroy Troy. Devised by Odysseus, it...
Trojan War
conceptThe Trojan War was the central event of Greek mythology — a ten-year siege of Troy by a Greek...
Amazons
heroThe Amazons were a legendary nation of all-female warriors who lived without men, governed...
Centauromachy (Event)
conceptThe battle between Lapiths and Centaurs at the wedding of Pirithous when drunken centaurs tried to...
Amyclae Throne
conceptThe colossal throne-statue of Apollo at Amyclae near Sparta, one of the most sacred objects in the...
Penthesilea
heroPenthesilea was the Amazon queen who came to fight for Troy after Hector's death — killed by...
Achilles
heroThe greatest warrior in the Greek army at Troy, nearly invulnerable thanks to being dipped in the...