The real Wonder Women warriors behind the myths of the Amazons

For the women of Generation X and later, you grew up knowing that Wonder Woman came from a group of Amazons, in comic book fiction.  You may remember this version, or this one.  And I know many women today wish for her golden lasso to make people (boyfriends, husbands ,mean girls) tell the truth.  

While looking for a talk on Adrienne Mayor's previous book, The First Fossil Hunters, I ran across this talk, and just listened to it.  It's a great look by Adrienne Mayor at the real life badass women of the ancient world.  If you are interested or inspired by tough, warrior-type women, you'll probably like it.  

The Scythians, who most Amazon myths of old seem to be based on, had many real warrior women in their culture.  The used bows and arrows, spears and lances, and yes, even lassos, in battle.  They had arm and leg shields much like Wonder Woman.  They may even have invented pants.  Really.  Some of them had tattoos (the first full sleeves?), they were depicted in Greek and Roman art, and in literature of the day.  It's a really cool talk, check it out.