Iranian Women in History
Trailblazers for women around the world
From Commander Pantea (559BC) leading the immortals to Commander Apranik (651AD), the commanding role of women in ancient Iran horrified Greek and Roman male-dominated societies of the respective eras. Images show Commander Pantea, Commander Apranik, Queen Atusa and Grand Admiral Artemisia.
Here are 25 Iranian women from history
- Pantea 559–530 BC ⚔️ Pantea Arteshbod (literally Pantea the Army Commander) led with distinction during the Achaemenid Empire’s expansion. Alongside her husband, General Aryasb, she maintained order in conquered territories like Babylonia. She co-led the Immortals.
2. Irdabama 520–470 BC 💰 A Persian businesswoman under Xerxes the Great, defied gender norms, amassing vast wealth and influence in wine and grain trades. Her prominence challenges traditional views, showcasing female economic power in ancient Persia. A beacon of autonomy, she paved the way for future female entrepreneurs.
3. Apranik 620–655 AD ⚔️A Persian Sassanid commander and daughter of General Piran, fiercely resisted invaders, embodying the spirit of defiance. From her early years, she embraced military life, rising through the ranks to become a high-ranking commander. Leading her battalion against Arab forces, she transitioned from conventional warfare to guerrilla tactics, earning legendary status for her relentless resistance. Apranik’s commando warfare and iconic white horse ♘symbolized the fight for freedom against oppressors. Apranik and her ranks were known to never give up — Her slogan was: “No retreat, no surrender” and she has become a symbol for Iranian resistance.
4. Artunis 540–500 BC ⚔️ Lieutenant Artunis was the Commander of the Achaemenid Persian Army and the daughter of Artebaz, Sepahbod during the reign of Darius the Great.
5. Banu 795–838 AD ⚔️ Led the resistance again the Arab Caliphate. Banu’s prowess as a revolutionary commando and skilled archer made her a symbol of Persian pride. For over two decades, she and her husband Babak resisted Arab rule, with their stronghold, the Castle of Babak, serving as a symbol of defiance. Despite their valiant efforts, betrayal led to their capture by the Abbasid Caliph, but their legacy endures in history.
6. Sura 213–325 AD⚔️👑 A heroine of Persian history during the Parthian dynasty, was renowned for her strategic brilliance and military prowess. As the daughter of King Ardavan V, she held the rank of Ashkanid’s General, earning respect as a skilled Lieutenant General. Despite facing the decline of the Parthian Empire due to external attacks and internal turmoil, she remained a formidable leader.
7. Youtab 360–330 BC ⚔️ sister of the legendary Persian hero Ariobarzanes, commanded part of the Persian Army, fighting alongside her brother at the Battle of the Persian Gate against Alexander the Great’s forces. Their ambush held back the Macedonian army for a month.
8. Atusa 522–486 BC 👑 Empress of the Achaemenid Empire, wielded immense power and influence alongside her husband, Darius the Great . A descendant of Cyrus, she played a key role in palace affairs and ensured the succession of her son, Xerxes. Known for her intuition and wisdom, she left a lasting mark on Persian history.
9. Esther 492–460 BC 👑 Persia’s first Jewish ✡️ queen, rose from humble beginnings to become a biblical heroine. Her Cinderalla-esque story, tells of courage and cunning in protecting her people
10. Artemisia 559–530 BC ⚔️ Grand Admiral Artemisia, ruler of Halicarnassus under Persian Emperor Xerxes I, was a legendary figure of power and intelligence. She was born in the Greek city-state of Halicarnassus, and was later naturalized. Leading the Persian Navy, she played a pivotal role in battles during the Achaemenid Dynasty, including the naval battle of Salamis against Greece. She became Xerxes’ lover, yet they never married.
11. Amestris 510–460 BC👑⚔️ Wielded significant influence as both queen and military commander. She upheld the rule of law in Persia with strictness, leaving a lasting legacy of discipline.
12. Parysatis 450–390 BC👑 daughter of Emperor Artaxerxes I, wielded significant influence as wife of King Darius II and mother to Prince Cyrus. After Cyrus’ defeat, she sought vengeance on his behalf, challenging Tissaphernes and restoring order. Her legacy lives on, immortalized by the asteroid 888 Parysatis.
13. Azadokht 235–260 AD👑⚔️📜 Queen of the Sassanid Empire, was renowned for her wisdom and martial prowess. Alongside her husband Shapur the Great, she founded Jondi Shahpur University, a beacon of learning. Despite not being a military leader, Azadokht’s skill with a sword was legendary. In conflicts with the Roman Empire, Persian women fought bravely alongside men, challenging Roman notions of gender roles in warfare.
14. Mandana 600–559 BC👑⚔Daughter of King Astyages, became Queen of Anshan and mother to #Cyrus the Great, founder of #Persia’s #Achaemenid Dynasty. Legends tell of her pivotal role in Cyrus’ early years, as he defied his grandfather’s prophecy. Her legacy lives on in history and in the naming of King Darius the Great’s daughter.
15. Zand 531–379 AD 👑⚖️Queen of Persia, was a formidable figure in Sassanid history. Known for her intelligence and confidence, she served as counselor of the Persian courthouse.
16. Shirin 570–628 AD👑 Queen of the Sassanid Empire, was the beloved wife of King Khosrow II, renowned for his military conquests. She was one of the first Christian ✝️ Iranian queens
17. Cassandane 575–519 BC 👑 Wife of Cyrus the Great — Her death plunged the empire into mourning
18. Purandokht 590–632 AD👑 empress of Persia, ascended the Sassanid throne amidst instability after her father’s overthrow. She sought to restore stability through peace treaties, justice reforms, and infrastructure reconstruction
19. Phaidyme 535–490 BC 👑 An Achaemenid Queen, played a pivotal role in uncovering the imposter king, Gaumata. Daughter of Otanes, a key figure in Darius the Great’s rise, she sensed deception by feeling for her husband’s missing ears in the dark. Her astuteness and mysticism helped thwart the Magi’s usurpation.
20. Parin 490–540 AD 👑🖋 A Sassanid politician and daughter of Emperor Kavadh I, was a skilled diplomat and counselor in the Persian Courthouse. Known for her adept negotiation skills, she played a crucial role in preventing conflicts between the Roman/Byzantine Empire and Persia, demonstrating the importance of diplomacy in maintaining peace.
21. Turandokht 605–633 AD👑🖊️this princess was immortalized in ‘The Book of One Thousand and One Nights.’, becoming an iconic symbol of nobility. The story retains its Persian roots, with Turan referring to Central Asia, once part of the Persian Empire, and the Turanians tracing back to ancient Iranian people of the Avesta age.”
22. Zenon 350–400 AD 💃 Her dances, part of Persian mystic court dances, have endured as the sole survivor of Persian dance forms over centuries. Protected and advanced, Persian dancing encompassed various forms including fire, sword, and even horse dances
23. Aspas 380–430 AD ⚔️👑 Commander of the Persian Sassanid police force and a daughter of Emperor Ardeshir the Second
24. Azarmidokht 600-631 AD 👑 Became the twenty-seventh Sassanid Monarch of Persia, navigating the challenges of the declining Sassanid Dynasty era.
25=. The Persian Amazons 500–600 BC⚔️The role of these ancient female warriors, known as Amazons, remains understudied in international scholarship. Dating back millennia, these warriors thrived in regions of modern-day Iran, particularly in the north and northwest. Archaeological finds, including burial mounds of Scythians and Sarmatians, reveal evidence of women warriors buried with their weapons, shedding light on their historical significance and contributions to ancient warfare.
Read more here: https://persepolis.nu/queens.htm
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52 Sites of Iranian Culture and World Heritage
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The Four Ancient Festivals of the Seasons
Read about the four ancient festivals of the seasons, centrepieces of Iranian culture which take places at the four solstices and equinoxes, here:
Norouz — The festival of Spring, and rebirth
Yalda — The festival of Winter, and victory of Light over Dark.
Mehregan — The festival of Autumn: nature, love, and friendship
Tirgan — The summer festival of rain
