They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. History books are filled with tales of war heroes, but often overlooked are the incredible women who took badassery to a whole new level. From those who overcame abuse and sought vengeance to warriors who stood against oppressors, these female warlords defied convention and fought for what they believed in.
Popular culture celebrates stories of valor, but the pivotal roles women played in shaping countries and regions deserve greater recognition. Here are ten of history’s most badass female warlords.
Artemisia I of Caria
During Xerxes’ reign, he relied on warlords to maintain order. Artemisia I was entrusted with Caria after her husband’s death, making her the queen and regent for her son, Pisindelis. Controlling this strategically vital region was challenging in a male-dominated world.
Artemisia distinguished herself as a battle commander and advisor to King Xerxes. She is best known for her role in the invasion of Greece and her involvement in the naval battle of Salamis in 480 BC.[1]
Boudicca
Many heroes have lost battles, especially against the Romans. Queen Boudicca (AD 30–AD 61) was a Celtic queen of the Iceni tribe who rebelled against Roman rule in ancient Britain around AD 60. After agreeing to a truce with the Roman Governor of Britain, Suetonius, she was stripped of her land, publicly flogged, and her daughters were abused by Roman soldiers.
Vowing vengeance, Boudicca led a rebellion while the Romans fought in Wales, defeating the Roman Ninth Legion. Her forces destroyed Camulodunum, murdered a Roman captain, and massacred inhabitants before targeting London and Verulamium. Boudicca took her own life with poison, but not before killing approximately 70,000 Romans and their supporters.[2]
Trinh Trieu Thi (Lady Trieu)
Lady Trieu (AD 226–AD 248) is a legendary figure whose true story is intertwined with admiration and myth. Some say that at 19, she formed her own army to fight Chinese oppression, against her brother’s advice. Others claim she fled to the mountains after killing her abusive sister-in-law. Whatever her past, she became a formidable force admired by the Vietnamese people.
Trieu led her army to over 30 victories against Chinese forces, prompting the Wu Dynasty to send reinforcements. Although the uprising was ultimately defeated, Lady Trieu had made a name for herself, choosing to end her own life rather than surrender to her enemies.[3]
Tomyris
In the 6th century BC, Tomyris (d. 520 BC) ruled the lands north of Persia and east of the Caspian Sea. She was a fierce warrior who fought on horseback and ruled with unwavering resolve.
When the Persian army attacked the Massagetae, Tomyris warned that it would lead to death. Cyrus the Great sought to deceive the Massagetae by faking a retreat and leaving wine. They captured and killed Tomyris’s son as a result.
Enraged, Tomyris led her army, defeating the Persians in battle and killing Cyrus. She ordered his decapitation, dipping his head in blood, fulfilling her promise of a bloodbath.[4]
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is one of history’s most famous warriors, and her story is both tragic and heroic.
Saint Joan of Arc, a national hero of France, believed she was acting under divine guidance. Leading the French army against the English, she secured victory in several battles, including the Siege of Orléans, a strategic win in the Hundred Years’ War.
Joan’s downfall came when she was captured by English forces. Accused of witchcraft, heresy, and cross-dressing, she was burned at the stake after years of captivity and defiance.[5]
Queen Amina of Zazzau
Queen Amina (1533–1610) was the first woman to rule Zazzau, now modern northwest Nigeria. She reigned as sarauniya (queen) from 1576 to 1610.
A warrior herself, she introduced metal armor, iron helmets, and chain mail to her army. She led military campaigns, expanding the territory of the Hausa people to its largest extent. Queen Amina loved warfare and showed no interest in marriage, becoming Zazzau’s leading warrior.
After ascending to the throne, she spent only three months before returning to the battlefield, continuing her military campaigns until her death at Agtagara in 1610. Her 34-year rule and legendary status remain cemented in Nigerian history.[6]
Zenobia
Born into royalty, Zenobia (c. AD 240–c. AD 274) became queen of the Palmyrene Empire after her husband’s assassination. She executed his killer and transformed into a powerful military leader.
Queen Zenobia expanded her empire by attacking the Roman East. Within a few years, her forces captured Syria, Palestine, Anatolia, and Egypt, declaring independence from Rome.
Her reign ended when Emperor Aurelian’s armies defeated her at Antioch, Emesa, and Palmyra. Captured while fleeing, Zenobia reportedly starved herself to death as a prisoner en route to Rome.[7]
Bouboulina
Laskarina Pinotsi (1771-1825), known as Bouboulina, has been celebrated in folk songs, ballads, and plays. From her early childhood, she was exposed to the sea, learning from her father, a sea captain, and later her second husband, who owned a fleet of vessels. After her husband’s death during the uprising against Turkish rule, she joined the Greek revolutionary forces.
Bouboulina raised the Greek flag on her ship, the Agamemnon, initiated blockades against the Turks, and fought until the Fort of Nafplion fell. She also participated in the blockade of Monemvasia. After the Turkish defeat, she returned to Spetses, where a family member killed her in a feud.
Posthumously, she was awarded the rank of Admiral by the Russian Navy. Bouboulina is remembered as a hero essential to Greece’s independence.[8]
Rani of Jhansi
Lakshmi Bai (1828–1858), known as Rani (queen) of Jhansi, refused to cede Jhansi to British rule, particularly to the East India Company. As regent and ruler, she fought until the end.
When the revolt of 1857 erupted, Rani governed Jhansi as regent for her son. British forces demanded the city’s surrender, but Rani refused and fought for two weeks. After losing, she escaped on horseback, regrouped, and captured the fort of Gwalior with other rebels.
The British attacked Gwalior, and Rani fought to her death dressed as a man. The conflict led to many casualties and prompted the British government to dissolve the East India Company. India was then brought under the control of the British crown.[9]
Fu Hao
King Wu Ding of the Chinese Shang dynasty, who ruled around the 13th century BC, had 64 wives. Fu Hao (d. 1200 BC) became the second most powerful, serving as a high priestess and military general.
As a key figure in the king’s army, she commanded 13,000 soldiers against the Qiang, the largest military action recorded in inscriptions.
Fu Hao led her troops from the front, helping the wounded and boosting morale, defeating the Tu Fang. She then routed the cavalry of the Qian Fang tribe. After that, she led a third force against the Yi Fang and was again victorious. Her final campaign against the Ba Fung tribe saw her sharing command with her husband. Fu Hao trapped their forces and emerged victorious, becoming the country’s most outstanding military leader.[10]
These ten women defied expectations and left indelible marks on history through their leadership, courage, and military prowess. Their stories continue to inspire generations.
Which of these female warlords inspires you the most? Leave your comments below!
