Overview-
Paul Chrystal has written the first full length study of women and warfare in the Graeco Roman world. Although the conduct of war was generally monopolized by men, there were plenty of exceptions with women directly involved in its direction and even as combatants, Artemisia, Olympias, Cleopatra and Agrippina the Elder being famous examples. And both Greeks and Romans encountered women among their barbarian enemies, such as Tomyris, Boudicca and Zenobia.
More commonly, of course, women were directly affected by war as noncombatant victims of rape and enslavement as spoils of war and this makes up an important strand of the authors discussion. The portrayal of female warriors and goddesses in classical mythology and literature, and the use of war to justify gender roles and hierarchies, are also considered. Overall it is a landmark survey of how war in the Classical world affected and was affected by women.
About The Author-
REVIEWS-
"Chrystal's work has given us a study remarkable for its detail and the breadth of its scope, an analysis backed up with ample referencing... A work of considerable scholarship and insight, one that anyone with an interest in ancient warfare will not be able to ignore."
"...an excellent introduction into the topic of women and their intersection with warfare in the ancient world. His extensive use of primary sources only adds to its value to the student. It could easily be integrated into a survey of either Greek or Roman history, offering a different perspective on the era."