The so-called “Amazons” from the Kingdom of Dahomey are one of the few examples of a mostly female fighting force. Many were slaves or former slaves, not serving the Dahoman king. While we do not have the exact dates of their creation, this fighting corps were at their most powerful—and frightening—in the eighteenth century as large numbers of guns flooded West Africa. In this image from the middle of the nineteenth century, the warrior holds a flintlock musket. Faint in the background is a long palisade and other warriors. The caption means “God Speaks True” or “the Spirit Commands.” 

In 2022, the Amazons were featured in a popular film starring the acclaimed actress Viola Davis, “The Woman King.” The film’s historical accuracy became the subject of considerable debate, including issues around abolition.