We are used to living in a world of information. However, there are so many unopened pages in history and untrodden paths on the planet! The mystery of the Amazons - brave, freedom-loving women who live without men - is being tried by researchers, filmmakers, and exotic lovers.
Who are the Amazons?
For the first time Homer mentions attractive but dangerous warriors of the weaker sex in the eighteenth century BC. Then their way of life is described by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus and the playwright Aeschylus, followed by the Roman chroniclers. According to myths, the Amazons formed states that consisted only of women. Presumably, these were territories from the shores of the Black Sea to the Caucasus and further - into the depths of Asia. From time to time they chose men from other nations to procreate. The fate of the born child depended on gender - if it was a girl, she was brought up in a tribe, while the boy was sent to his father or killed.
Since then, the legendary Amazon is a woman who masterfully wields weapons and an excellent rider who is not inferior in battle to men. Her patroness - Artemis - virgin,forever young goddess of the hunt, capable of punishing in anger with an arrow fired from a bow.
Etymology
Until now, researchers are arguing about the origin of the word "Amazon". Presumably, it was formed from the Iranian word ha-mazan - "warrior woman". Another option - from the word a masso - "inviolable" (for men).
The most common Greek etymology of the word. It is interpreted as "breastless", and according to legend, the warriors cauterized or cut off their mammary glands for the convenience of using the bow. This version, however, does not find confirmation in artistic images.
Archaeologists in search of Amazons
Archaeological excavations and found burials do not directly prove the existence of the Amazons. Some burials of women with weapons found in Ukraine may indicate their noble origin. To date, 2000-year-old mounds located on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan serve as evidence. Archaeologists have found more than 150 graves of the descendants of the Sarmatians, among whom were female warriors buried with weapons.
Skeptical scholars suggest that the Amazons are a mythological figure, opposed to the increasing role of men in ancient Greek society. He is trying to resurrect the memory of matriarchy and give value to female nature. At the time, same-sex relationships between men were preferred. It was considered more pure and indicated a special spiritual relationship between teacher and student. As an archetype, the Amazon is a woman equal to a man, and therefore worthy of respect and admiration.
First mention of the Amazons of South America
It took many centuries before this name became popular again. This time on the other side of the earth. The baptism of the women of South America into the Amazons happened with the light hand of the Spanish conquistadors.
In July 1539, royal officials who took part in the campaign of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada through the territory of Colombia prepared a report describing the conquest of new colonies. It mentions the people of Indian women living without men. The Spaniards themselves did not see him, but recorded data about him from the words of people who were slaves there to conceive children. The women of the Amazon tribes formed a highly developed civilization, headed by Queen Harativa.
According to other sources, the Amazons became known thanks to the conquistador Francisco Orellani. His brigantine entered the waters of a full-flowing swift river on February 12, 1542 (now there is a town named after the brave captain not far from this place). After some time, the hungry Europeans, who were on the road for many days, were hospitably received in their settlements by the Indians. It was they who said that a tribe of “great lords” lives down the river, in the local dialect of “Konyapuyara”, whom the Spaniards called the Amazons.
Legends or true story
However, in these stories there is no direct indication of a meeting with fearless women. The gap is filled by the following legend. During the conquest of new lands by the Spanish crownthe conquerors, led by Orellani, faced fierce resistance from the local Indians. Among them, women of the Amazon tribes stood out for their courage. The conquistadors who entered into battle with them and were forced to retreat named them in memory of the girls from ancient Greek mythology. And the river they fought on was named the Rio de las Amazonas.
Modern researchers believe that there were no female warriors. The women of the Amazon tribes are Indians whose long hair misled the Spanish invaders. More romantically inclined people believe that these were lovers, fighting side by side with their men and ready to sacrifice their lives for them.
Anyway, the wild girls, the Amazons, continue to excite the imagination. This is evidenced by the plots of adventure films and best-selling books that retell the beliefs of the times of the Great Geographical Discoveries. In them, the Amazon jungle hides countless treasures guarded by beautiful female warriors who are cruel and merciless to strangers. Many gold hunters have died looking for an easy way to get rich. But from time to time there are brave men who are ready to try their luck.
Amazon Rainforest Tribes
More than five hundred years have passed. And the Amazon jungle still hides many unknown tribes. The Brazilian organization FUNAI has registered seventy-seven primitive settlements. Their way of life does not differ from that which their ancestors led many centuries ago: they fish, hunt, and gather fruit. These Amazon peoplenever had contact with modern civilization. Moreover, any meeting can be fatal for them, since they do not have immunity from most diseases. Therefore, the natives are taken under state protection.
Among them there are those who preserve the matriarchal way of life. But no one is fighting or dominating here.
Kuna Tribe
The Kuna tribe is the most famous and accessible settlement for tourists. It is located on the San Blas Islands. Wild girls, Amazons, do housework and make clothes of incredible beauty and subtlety - mauls.
What is the manifestation of matriarchy? Here, it is not the groom who chooses the bride, but the girl who proposes to the young man. However, he has no right to refuse her. After that, the man moves to his wife's house and works for several years under the supervision of his father-in-law. Marriages are possible only among fellow tribesmen. The birth of girls is considered preferable, as they subsequently bring additional labor into the house. Otherwise, these are families of a distinctive culture with a typical distribution of responsibilities.
Where to look for modern female warriors?
Today, not so much the women of the Amazon tribes are aggressive as the residents of urban megacities. Reclaiming the right to be free and independent, "hearth keepers" seek to leave it for the sake of professional growth.
And although they occupy leadership positions and govern countries, there is no need to talk about a new matriarchy. The implicit war of the Amazons of modern society for their status often ends in a successful career and conscious loneliness and, as a result, in a demographic crisis.
