Servicewoman of Recognition

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Women have been involved in wars and battles for centuries. The earliest records dating back to 16th Century BC. Much documentation was not recorded of these women, so it is difficult to piece together the records that highlight them.

One of the first women to be recorded as believed to be involved in war was Ahhotep I. After her husband died from injuries, she became regent until her son was old enough to become Pharaoh. In her time as regent, Ahhotep unified, cared for, protected, and returned the deserters and dissidents of the military. For these actions Ahhotep was given recognition on a stela monument. From the verbiage that is inscribed, some scholars believe that it is likely that Ahhotep commanded the Egyptian army during her time as regent.

In the 13th Century BC, Fu Hao was a consort of the Emperor, having entered into the palace through marriage. From documents that have survived since the Shang Dynasty, Fu Hao is credited to have led multiple military campaigns, having won a hard won victory against the Tu people. During her time as a military leader, she led upwards of 13,000 troops, including many other celebrated generals. Fu Hao is said to be the most accomplished military leader of her time.

Some skepticism surrounds Queen Tomyris. Several ancient texts have been discovered that highlight her actions and accomplishments. Tomyris rose to become queen after her husband died. Tomyris was the leader of the Massagetae tribe in ancient Iran. When a neighboring Persian ruler, Cyrus, asked for her hand in marriage, Tomyris saw through his grab for power and rejected the proposal. Tomyris then states that Cyrus should focus on ruling his kingdom while she ruled hers. Cyrus saw this as an insult and invaded the Massagetae land. According to various sources, Tomyris took an active role in the military campaign, some even stating that she was the one to kill Cyrus herself. Not much was written of Tomyris after the death of Cyrus, but her legacy lives on having become a popular figure in Renaissance art.

Some of the women who were involved in wars and military engagements are believed to be fictional. One of the most famous of these stories is the legend of Hua Mulan. The exact origin of Mulan is not exactly known, but believed to be dated between the 4th and 6th Centuries CE. The first written account of Mulan is in the Ballad of Mulan, which first appears in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-535 CE). Since her first appearance, Mulan has been featured in a variety of plays, movies, games, and literature.

Not all women who were involved in early war efforts took the form of military support. Saint Genevieve became involved in religion at a young age, and after she was orphaned, she moved to Paris. While living in Paris, Genevieve became known for her healings, piety, and miracles. One of her miracles happened in the year 451. The city of Paris was under threat of attack by Attila the Hun. Genevieve gathered women in the city and formed a prayer marathon. It is said that these prayers were what prevented Attila from attacking. This is Genevieve's most famous feat. Genevieve was later canonized as one of the patron saints of Paris.

For more information about these women, and other women who were involved in early warfare, check out the page on Women in Ancient Warfare.

-February 2025