Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Amazons of ancient Greek mythology is that they were not entirely mythical. While many of the deeds and details ascribed to these women warriors were imagined, the Amazons themselves were inspired by a real-life horse-riding tribe of nomads called the Scythians.
This hour we speak with historians, folklorists and film experts about the ancient Amazons and hear how their stories speak to age-old notions of gender identity. We'll also ask whether modern portrayals of warrior women are defying or perpetuating female stereotypes.
GUESTS:
- Walter Penrose Jr. - Associate Professor of History at San Diego State University and author of Postcolonial Amazons: Female Masculinity and Courage in Ancient Greek and Sanskrit Thought
- Adrienne Mayor- Folklorist, science historian and research Scholar at Stanford University; author of The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World
- Sean Marlon Newcombe - Actor, writer, director and Co-founder of The Artemis Women In Action Film Festival
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Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show.
