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As the saying goes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. You don’t have to look far to find legendary war heroes—some of whom were women. From those who fought back against abuse and turned their torment into rage, to warriors who stood up to tyrants and emerged victorious, these women defied all odds. There's nothing quite like a tale of triumph, especially when it centers on a fierce, unconventional hero battling for their beliefs.
Throughout history and in popular culture, stories of bravery and wartime heroes abound, with women playing crucial roles in shaping nations and regions. Here are ten of the most formidable female warlords ever.
10. Artemisia I of Caria
While the great Xerxes ruled over vast lands, he heavily depended on his warlords to maintain control as he pursued his conquests.
In the ancient district of Caria, located in southwest Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), Artemisia I was granted the title of queen following her husband's death. This elevated her to the position of de facto ruler of Caria, serving as regent for her young son, Pisindelis. With this power, she governed a strategically vital region, though her authority was challenged in a male-dominated world.
What truly cemented her legacy, however, was her prowess in battle and her role as a trusted advisor to King Xerxes. Artemisia is especially renowned for her participation in the invasion of Greece and her critical involvement in the naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
9. Boudicca
It’s not uncommon to find true heroes who ultimately lost a battle, especially when facing the Romans. After all, the Romans made enemies wherever they went. Sometimes, it’s not about the outcome, but how they fought and the victories they claimed along the way.
Queen Boudicca (AD 30–AD 61) was the fierce Celtic ruler of the Iceni tribe, who rose up against Roman oppression in ancient Britain around AD 60. After being betrayed and mistreated by the Romans—her land was seized, she was flogged, and her daughters were assaulted by Roman soldiers—she led her people in a fierce struggle for freedom.
Boudicca vowed revenge and began planning her comeback. While the Romans were engaged in battles in Wales, she led a fierce uprising, defeating the Roman Ninth Legion. Her forces ravaged Camulodunum, killed a Roman captain, and slaughtered the local population. She then set her sights on London and Verulamium. In the end, Boudicca chose to take her own life with poison rather than be captured, having already claimed the lives of approximately 70,000 Romans and their supporters.
8. Trinh Trieu Thi (Lady Trieu)
When someone reaches legendary status, the distinction between fact and myth often blurs, as is the case with Lady Trieu (AD 226–AD 248). She became a figure of legend in Vietnam.
According to some accounts, at the age of 19, Lady Trieu formed her own army to resist Chinese rule, despite her brother's warnings. Other versions tell of her fleeing to the mountains after killing her abusive sister-in-law. Regardless of the details, her past shaped her into the powerful figure known throughout Vietnam.
Lady Trieu led her forces to victory in over 30 battles against the Chinese, bringing her rebellion into the spotlight. The Chinese, recognizing the threat, sent reinforcements and eventually crushed the uprising. However, by then, Lady Trieu had already earned her place in history. Rather than surrender, she chose to take her own life.
7. Tomyris
In the sixth century BC, in the region north of Persia and east of the Caspian Sea, there was one ruler who stood above all others: Tomyris (d. 520 BC). A warrior queen unmatched by any, she fought on horseback and governed with unyielding strength and determination.
When the Persian forces, eager to expand their empire, launched an attack on the Massagetae—a nomadic tribe with a much weaker army—Tomyris warned them that their assault would end in bloodshed. In response, Cyrus the Great, king of the Persians, and his advisors devised a deceitful strategy to lure the Massagetae, pretending to retreat while leaving wine—an unfamiliar drink to the Massagetae. In the chaos, they captured and killed Tomyris’s son.
This tragic loss threw Queen Tomyris into a fury, and she swiftly mobilized her forces. In a fierce and merciless battle, she led her army to a crushing victory over the Persians, slaying Cyrus himself. She then ordered his lifeless body to be brought to her, decapitated his head, and submerged it in blood, delivering on her promise of a bloody retribution.
6. Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, one of the most renowned warriors in history, is as much a symbol of heroism as she is of tragedy. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire and captivate hearts worldwide.
Saint Joan of Arc, a revered French national hero, is believed to have been guided by divine forces. Leading the French army against the English during the Hundred Years' War, she secured victories in pivotal battles, most notably the Siege of Orléans, a triumph that played a crucial role in restoring French sovereignty.
Joan’s story took a sorrowful turn when she was captured by English forces after falling from her horse while retreating from battle. During her trial, she faced over 70 charges, including witchcraft, heresy, and the controversial act of wearing male attire. Despite enduring harsh imprisonment and standing firm in her beliefs, she was tragically burned at the stake.
5. Queen Amina of Zazzau
Amina, the first woman to rule Zazzau (modern-day northwestern Nigeria), reigned as sarauniya (queen) from 1576 until her death in 1610. Her legacy remains one of strength and influence in West African history.
A warrior in her own right, she introduced iron helmets, chain mail, and metal armor to her forces. Leading a bold campaign against neighboring territories, she expanded the borders of the Hausa people to their greatest extent ever. It is said that she reveled in the art of warfare and showed little interest in marriage, focusing instead on her rise to power as the foremost warrior of Zazzau.
After ascending to the throne, she reigned for only three months before returning to the battlefield. She continued to lead military campaigns until her death at Agtagara in 1610. In total, her rule lasted 34 years, and her legendary status has become deeply ingrained in Nigerian history.
4. Zenobia
Born of royal lineage and the second wife of King Septimius Daenathus, Zenobia (c. AD 240–c. AD 274) rose to become queen of the Palmyrene Empire following her husband's assassination. Determined to avenge his death, she had his murderer executed and took command as both a ruler and formidable military leader.
Queen Zenobia took bold action against the Romans, launching attacks on the Roman East and swiftly expanding her empire. Within a few short years, her forces had seized control of Syria, Palestine, Anatolia, and even Egypt, a crucial Roman province. With sword in hand, she declared her empire's independence from Rome.
Eventually, Emperor Aurelian’s forces overwhelmed her. They defeated her at Antioch, Emesa, and Palmyra, capturing Zenobia as she tried to escape. Historians suggest that Zenobia died by starvation while being transported to Rome as a prisoner.
3. Fu Hao
King Wu Ding, ruler of the Shang dynasty during the 13th century BC in the central Yellow River valley, had 64 wives. Among them was Fu Hao (d. 1200 BC), who rose to prominence and became the second most influential wife, also serving as a high priestess and military general.
As a commanding figure in the king’s army, Fu Hao led forces into battle on behalf of Wu Ding. She commanded an army of 13,000 soldiers in a conflict against the Qiang, marking the largest military campaign documented in inscriptions.
Fu Hao fought bravely at the front lines, tended to the wounded, and bolstered her troops' morale. Her victories included defeating the Tu Fang, vanquishing the Qian Fang cavalry, and triumphing over the Yi Fang. In her final campaign, she led a joint effort with her husband against the Ba Fung tribe, trapping their forces and securing a decisive victory. Fu Hao was celebrated as the nation’s finest military leader.
2. Rani of Jhansi
Lakshmi Bai (1828–1858), better known as the Rani (queen) of Jhansi, steadfastly resisted British control, especially that of the East India Company. As the regent and ruler of Jhansi, she fought valiantly until her final moments.
During the 1857 revolt, Rani was serving as regent for her young son when British forces arrived at the fort of Jhansi, demanding its surrender. She refused. The ensuing battle lasted for two weeks. Though Rani was ultimately defeated, she made a daring escape on horseback and, alongside fellow rebels, took control of the fort at Gwalior.
The British then launched an assault on Gwalior, but Rani led a courageous counterattack, disguised as a man. She died in the course of battle. The ensuing carnage and the loss of many lives led the British government to disband the East India Company, transferring control of India directly to the British crown.
1. Bouboulina
Laskarina Pinotsi (1771-1825), widely recognized as Bouboulina, has been immortalized in folk songs, ballads, and plays for many years, and it’s easy to understand why.
Bouboulina was exposed to the ways of the sea from an early age. She learned from her father, a seasoned sea captain, and her second husband, who commanded a small fleet of vessels. After her husband died following the uprising against Turkish rule, she took charge of the fleet, joining the revolutionary forces of Greece.
Bouboulina proudly raised the Greek flag aboard her largest ship, the Agamemnon. She launched blockades against the Turks, fought until the fall of the Fort of Nafplion, and was involved in the blockade of Monemvasia. After the Turks' defeat, she returned to Spetses, where she was tragically shot by a family member during a feud.
Posthumously, she was honored as the first woman to receive the rank of Admiral in the Russian Navy. Today, she is celebrated as a hero without whom the Greeks might never have gained their independence.
