Kick Ass Historical Ladies

Although the Greek and Roman empires are thought of as something of the past, many of their ideas and principles that they lived by are actually very forward thinking and modern. Especially their views on woman's roles and what they could and couldn't do in religion and mythology, from the goddesses and ancient heroes to the ancient Roman and Greek villains.

For example, the Greek goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war strategy, which has stereo-typically been categorized as a role only capable of a man, who are apparently the only people capable of reason, wisdom and strength. Also Athena was a goddess born from brandishing a spear and shield. Also Athena what was known as a "maiden goddess", meaning she would never marry, which in the eyes of most of most empowered maidens was seen as being roped in by her husband. This figure is iconic after in later times, woman were seen as expected to marry, and hardly ever got the education that men received, nonetheless seen as wise and smart.

In addition, the goddess Artemis in Greek form, or Diana in Roman, goddess of the hunt and bow (and moon), also was an empowering female figure. Not only the goddess of the hunt and bow, but she devoted herself to the eternal hunt and also was a "maiden goddess". She never wed, and didn't like to have men in her presence at all, only allowing other maidens to attend her hunt. Not only was she a huntress, which is also stereo-typically seen as something very manly, but she also expelled men from her life as well as her immortalized companions.

Also, Artemis's companions were empowering in their own way as well. They vowed to expel men from their lives in return for immortality and the chance to hunt alongside Artemis.

In addition, Nike in Greek form and Victorious (or was it Victoria?) in Roman, the goddess of victory and winning was a iconic and empowering character. She too was a woman in the role of something often seen as being played by a more masculine character. 

Also, the Amazons, a group of female fighters much like the Hunters of Atremis were iconic female figures. They too chose to also reject male influences just like the huntresses. Not only was it impressive that it was said these groups existed but also that they were respected by women and men. 

Lastly, Bellona a Roman goddess much like Athena was a strong female icon during this time. And much like Athena she too played the role most felt should be filled by a man. 

For years unfair stereotypes have set woman as only loving, compassionate and motherly always seeking emotion and expression, but as it turns out even before that woman have been seen as wise, strong and skillful fighters who fight the characteristics of what we still stereotype as many traits and roles