Famous Women Warriors

When considering what famous women warriors have accomplished throughout history we can look as far back as the bible, where women fought fiercely for their beliefs. From Amazon women who engaged in battle to gladiators to pirates and military commanders, there is no shortage of women warriors, both past and present. The reason why many of them have become famous is that they have stood up to powerful opposition. The interesting kid-friendly facts and information provided below give examples of specific famous women in history who were warriors.

List of Famous Women Warriors

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc may possibly be the most well-known woman warrior. She was a French girl of just 17 when she felt compelled to do everything in her power to forcefully remove the English from France during the Hundred Year War. As Commander and Chief of the French army, she helped the French a great deal, not by being in physical combat, but by strategizing and planning Frances next moves against the English. She was ultimately burned at the stake by the English at the age of just 19.

Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane, whose real name was Martha Jane Canary was an American frontier woman born in 1852. She proved that women could horseback ride, gun-sling, and shoot every bit as well as a man. She fought the Indians and claims to have known Wild Bill Hickok. She was also known for her generosity towards those in need despite her tough exterior.

"Mad" Anne Trotter Bailey

"Mad" Anne Trotter Bailey was born in England in the 1700's and sailed to America at the age of 19 where she became an American heroine. She went on to fight in two wars, the Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War. After marrying, she joined a militia and fought in her first battle where her husband was killed. She is known for her bravery and gutsy attitude towards the Indians. She was a woman who was not afraid to give orders, take charge and dress as a man to avoid detection.

Tomoe Gozen

Tomoe Gozen was a famous female samurai warrior who lived from the 12th to the 13th century A.D. She left a legendary mark on Japanese history. It is believed that she fought in the Genpei War around 1180 and lived to tell about it. An archer, swordsman, and fearless horse rider, she has become the subject of many Japanese movies, plays and novels.

Queen Boudicca

Queen Boudicca was a Celtic War Queen who led a revolt against the Romans in 60 A.D. after her family was brutalized by them. Her actions led to the downfall of two, possibly three Roman settlements and the death of about 70,000 civilians and soldiers.

Queen Zenobia

Queen Zenobia conquered several Roman providences and at a time when resistance was down, she conquered Egypt, under Roman control, as well. As a warrior queen, she and her army went on to conquer Syria, Lebanon and Palestine before she was eventually captured by the Roman Emperor. To this day, her fate remains unclear.

Other Famous Women Warriors