Athena Parthenos Vs Amazons

This is a contest submission for

Athena and the Amazons is a fascinating subject for me. They are two sides of the same coin; both were warrior women, and used as examples to Athenian women of the time period. They were examples of what Athenian wives and daughters could never be (an immortal virgin goddess who sprang out of Zeus’ head as an adult and fully armed for battle), and should never be, (a mortal woman who had sex with any man they wanted, killed or maimed their boy babies, and battled men).

There are many theories on the existence of Amazons. The one I find most probable is that they were a Steppe tribe from Eurasia; Homer has the Amazons on the side of the Trojans at Troy. I don’t believe they were an all female tribe, most likely it was a tribe in which women were allowed to fight with the men, and since many of the Steppe tribes wore long hair for both men and women; in battle, it may have been difficult to deduce the sex of an enemy.

A LOT of thought went into this, please view the links for references and stocks used. Thanks to Mjranum-stock for the great stock.
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