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Amazon Warriors: True Stories Behind the Myths of the Ancient World with Dr. Nina Wieda
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After Heracles, Amazons are the most frequent subject of pottery painting in Ancient Greece. One among many Greeks to tell us about Amazons, the historian Hellanikos of Lesbos described them as "a host of golden-shielded, silver-axes, man-loving, boy-killing females." Greek myths narrate stories of Amazons fighting against or alongside the most celebrated heroes, including Achilles. As a result, many dismiss horsewoman warriors as mythical creatures, like Scilla and Cyclopes.
Led by an expert on Eurasian history, Nina Wieda, this Conversation will illuminate the colorful mythology and history of the Amazons. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the artistic and historical role of Amazons in the Greek world and beyond.
Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
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Dr. Wieda presented another fabulous presentation! I have been fascinated with her knowledge of the Black Sea areas and the Amazonian myths turn out to be highly accurate. She presented factual information alongside the age old stories showing us how advanced their culture was in terms of women's role. It was very interesting. Any of her classes are always wonderful.
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I so enjoyed Dr Wieda's presentation on Amazon Warriors. While I, like most people, had heard of women warriors, I had not any idea that they really existed. It was such a surprising bit of history to know where and when these women lived and fought. Plus Dr. Wieda discussed the archaeological evidence that supported the narrative. Very interesting and well presented.
Interesting conversation on the legends of the Amazons, ancient literary and artistic sources, and present day research on the Scythian people of the northern Caucasus and their probably descendants. Some nice illustrations too.