The Dahomey Amazons - the most sinister women in history
The Dahomey Amazons are a unique phenomenon in world history, as far as this is the only documented women's military subdivision. This group of "terminator" women living south of the Sahara and horrified by European colonizers received from the foreigners the nickname "Dahomey Amazons". And they called themselves N "Nonmiton, which means" our mothers ".
The Dahomey Amazons were considered to be elite troops in the Kingdom of Dahomey (nowadays the Republic of Benin). N "Nonmiton defended their king during the most bloodthirsty battles and were untouchable, characteristic of them being beheaded their victims. The Amazons are not some mythical characters. The last surviving Dahamic Amazon died not so long ago, in 1979, on 100. This was a woman called Navi, which was discovered by the researchers in a remote village, and in the nineteenth century in the Amazon Corps served 6,000 female soldiers, the total army consisted of 25,000 people, ie the Amazons constituted about a third of the whole Nahome army.
Their history dates back to the 17th century. Scientists suggest that the Amazon Corps was originally formed for elephant hunting. But women managed to impress the Dahomey King so much that he made them their bodyguards. According to another theory, because the women were the only ones allowed to stay in the palace after sunset, it is quite natural that they were designated as the bodyguards of the king. The nightest, healthiest, and courageous women gathered in N Nonmiton, and then they made a training course during which they turned into real killers for murder that had been afraid of Africa for more than two centuries.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, their corps became a fully-fledged military subdivision, unreservedly loyal to its king. The girls in N Nonmiton were recruited and gave them weapons at the age of 8. At first, she taught the Amazons to be strong, quick, ruthless, and withstand great pain.
Exercises that resembled a variety of gymnastics included jumping through walls covered with prickly acacia branches.
So also in preparation were expeditions in the jungle without equipment, with only one machete, which lasted for about 10 days.
In the battle, the Amazons of Dahomey fought to death - the foreign or their. Nonmiton women were not allowed to marry or give birth during their service as soldiers, and they were considered to be officially married to the King, but even he did not allow himself to break the vow of chastity. And if another man touched the Amazons, he was expecting a certain death, and despite the cruel training for many women, the soldier's life was a chance to escape the boredom they were doomed to in Dahomey society.
On entering N Nonmiton, women were given the opportunity to stand up on the social ladder of society, take up leadership positions and gain influence.
I have read about them. They are the first all women military commandos that numbered into the thousands.I believe the women warriors in Wakanda's The Black Panther movie was inspired by the Dahomey Amazons from West Africa. Great post @daydreaming.
The notion of Amazons, historical warrior women castes, has always fascinated me, and Amazons of Dahomey are particularly interesting because they're probably the best documented such case.
Have you read the excellent novel "Flash for Freedom" by George MacDonald Frazer? (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/142465.Flash_for_Freedom) It is un-PC as it can possibly be as its protagonist is a lovable borderline sociopath (yes lovable, Frazer is a writer of great skill) who is perfectly in tune with 19th century society and its mores. It deals with slave trade on the eve of Abolition and is completely unblinkingly straightforward and brutally honest... how it manages to be a ripping good adventure yarn as well is a testament to Frazer's skill as well. But I digress, there is a great chapter in there taking place in Dahomey, the starting point of the Atlantic Triangle trade, and Dahomey Amazons play a key role in goings on there.
very good@daydreaming
Wow nice
Totally interesting post, I came across your article, searching in the history field, now I see all your profile... impressive.
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