This article was originally published on July 15, 2022.
Roman visitors in ancient Egypt often marveled at how differently women lived. Roman law only required a man to raise his firstborn daughter; he could leave any others to die. To the Romans’ surprise, the Egyptians didn’t have a common practice of infanticide of unwanted girls.
Women’s participation in the economy was another culture shock. Well before the Ptolemies took power, Egypt had expanded women’s legal rights. A woman could choose her husband and, if desired, divorce him and keep her dowry. Married, widowed and divorced women were allowed to operate businesses and loan money. As much as a third of the economy in Ptolemaic Egypt belonged to women.
Women warriors led their troops into battle, strategizing and inspiring. At times, political and military leadership even belonged to women, who became strong, well-regarded female rulers. Here are four women warriors who ...
