Visuals

 

Joan of Arc is a folklore heroine of France. She was born a peasant and lived to lead the French army to several victories in the Hundred Years’ War, a series of conflicts between England and France. Her actions allowed for coronation of King Charles VII. Joan was burned at the stake by the English for insubordination and heresy.

Hua Mulan was a famous, legendary female warrior who went to war against the Huns, disguised as a man and in her father’s place in order to save him. She was made popular by the Disney movie Mulan, but her story originates from ancient china is a poem known as the Ballad of Mulan.

Here is a artistic representation of Roman Gladiatices. A Gladiatrix, although a rarity and novelty, was a female gladiator during the rule of the Roman Empire. Gladiatrices were the female counterparts of Roman gladiators and were most popular under the rule of Nero. They usually fought bare-chested and without helmets.

Above is a statue of Boudicca, Queen of the British Iceni Tribe. When her husband died, he left his kingdom to his daughters and also to the Roman Empire. However, the Romans took full control, beat Boudicca, and raped her daughters. In turn, Boudicca lead the Iceni people against the Romans along with other tribes, destroying cities and temples conquered by the Romans and defeating several legions of Roman soldiers. Although Boudicca was defeated in the Battle of Walting Street, she became an important legendary figure during the Renaissance and Victorian Era.

Here is a woman named Roza Shanina. She was a sniper for the Soviets during WWII and had a record of 54 confirmed hits. She was one of about 400,000 women that served the Soviet army, many of which acted as medics.

A female Peruvian military officer, who is on duty during a parade.

Korean Female soldiers patrol along the Yalu River in 4 inch heels. The shoes of these soldiers serve as a fashion statement; they are not ideal for combat or military. Heels can limit one’s speed and mobility. So, why does Korea make its female soldiers wear such uncomfortable and unnecessary shoes? They are encouraging women’s femininity and creating a distinction between men and women in military.