altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

The Myth of The Amazons [and Tidbits About Matriarchies]

The myth of the #Amazons continues to fascinate. Here's why. #womeninancienthistory #feminism

The ancient myths surrounding Amazonian women were Greek, but the Amazons were Russian. They were warriors. These famous women of ancient history were located in Pokrovka, Russia. 

Burial Mounds

150 kurgans, or burial mounds, were discovered in the early 90s that solidified the legend; the Amazons were real. Classical historians were mystified by these ancient warrior women for centuries.…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

Cleopatra’s young life and elevation to power

Cleopatra’s young life and elevation to power

Cleopatra, one of the most famous women in ancient history, is a very well-known figure. Yet, how much is known of the shadier details of her life? We are aware that she was born in 70 or 69 BCE to King Ptolemy XIII. What of her perfidious family history? Her rise to power?

Family History

It’s not often discussed, but most historians have gathered an accurate record of the traitorous…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

[Feminist critique] “Lessons for Women” by Ban Zhao

A line by line feminist critique of "Lessons for Women" by Ban Zhao.

Some of the history behind the concept of Yin and Yang is subversive, at best, and archaically sexist at worst. It was developed as a philosophy in 300 BCE, or possibly earlier, and has been upheld by society for centuries. You may think you know yin-yang or the Taijitu symbol, but do you know how it was used?

Some would argue that yin-yang truly, philosophically, just comprises of opposites…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

How To Identify Ancient Female Feminists

How To Identify Ancient Female Feminists

From Enheduannna to Sappho, to Cleopatra, these women re-defined womanhood and all that was feminine. Many women in ancient history defied the role society impressed, but the first wave of feminism didn’t occur until the 18th century. How, then, can we be sure she was a feminist? Here is the method to identify an ancient feminist.

What were women like in their culture?

Most life for women…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

Enheduannna: the first known author in the world

Enheduannna: the first known author in the world

2285-2250 BCE

There is one named Enheduannna’s who’s cogency, potency, and influence could not be diminished. Her society upheld her. It is easy to call her an Akkadian princess and leave it be, but here, we do not forget the dead. Illuminate her; we must.

Her life and work’s significance would be lost, like the compelling writing of female Greek philosophers, without first discussing the…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

Hierarchy of women in the ancient Mediterranean

Women in ancient Greece and Rome had nuanced differences, and several similarities.

Women in the ancient Mediterranean could relate in many ways, but the nuances of their differences were substantial. Female rights were nearly non-existent. What they did have was a social position. Each class of women had their rights, their societal norms, and their expectations. Let us peruse each one’s laws, customs, and level of emancipation. 

Greece

In the Classical Age in Athens,…

[altheasgalleriaoffeminism-blog]

Psappha [Sappho]: Famous women in ancient history

Psappha [Sappho]: Famous women in ancient history

Muse the mythos with me.

The myths surrounding Psappha, or Sappho as she is widely known, are numerous. Speculative history deliciously fraught with lesbianism, feminism, and counter-culture ideologies that have passed down from one inaccurate source to another. This mythos has made its way into books, plays, and encyclopediae. What do historians think they know about Sappho? 

Her Life

S…