"Women in (Wargaming) History" Topic

"This page is dedicated to highlighting female figures in history who are significant from the perspective of an historical miniatures wargamer. While perhaps a bit off-topic (there is nothing specifically relevant to computer-assisted miniatures wargames about this) I did get my original inspiration from research done while working on a couple of different programs which hopefully will be released in due course, one on the 19th Century revolutions in Europe, and another which was more of a Zenda-type Victorian adventure.

Let's face it – historical miniatures wargaming is a pretty chauvanistic affair. Yes, there are a few women who participate in the hobby, and yes, there are some depictions of women as combat-capable tabletop miniatures. Even so, too often we seem to share our predecessor's male chauvanistic tendencies. At the same time, there are some incredible women who have defied the societal norms of their times and become significant figures in some of history's important military events. Perhaps because they are perceived as exceptional, they often become symbols of their causes, having a greater impact on history than they might otherwise. At the same time, some of them were clearly braver than many of their comrades, and deserve their notoriety on their own merits…"
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Amicalement
Armand

That link doesn't work for me but if we're listing women in wargaming then Sue Barker will be pretty near the top. Lee Gold another.

Sue Barker would top just about any list I could come up with in miniatures wargaming.

I just got back from Fall In! last weekend – I started attending the HMGS cons again when I moved back east a little over a year ago, after a hiatus of more than a decade. There are a lot more women at these cons than there used to be. There seem to be a fair number of women at the regional New England cons, too.

Sue Barker definitely heads the list, but that's not what the site is about – it is looking at women who were warriors, appearing on the tabletop in miniature! (Countess Emilia is my favorite – I like the picture of her blowing away the cossack while riding side-saddle!)

I have a number women fighters in my armies

a 25mm vintage MiniFig Boudicca with a spear for my medievals

a 28mm "Frivolous Fiona MacGillicuddy" for my SYW imagi-nations. Fiona's weapon of choice is a bottle of brandy

about 5 or 6 28mm late 19th early 20th century adventuresses and big game hunters

and several 28mm WW2 resistance fighters.

None except Boudicca are actual named historical figures.

Jim

Zenobia of Palmyra, Boudicca, and the Rani of Jhansi (new film about her forthcoming) come to mind.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Queen Artemisia of Caria personally commanded her triremes in battle, including at Salamis.

Queen Zenobia of Palmyra led her armies on campaign (though I think she id not lead them personally in battle).

The Empress Matilda probably led her troops in battle as, likely, did Tamar of Georgia.

The Prophet's wife Aisha certainly led her troops in battle.

And Joan of Arc, of course (already mentioned).

Phil

That's the first I've heard of Matilda actually leading troops.

Matilda looks interesting….

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Amicalement
Armand