We used to live in the world of information.However, as there are pages in the history of unsolved and unexplored paths on the planet!The secret of the Amazon - brave freedom-loving women living without men - are trying to unravel the researchers, filmmakers, fans of exotic.
Who are the Amazons?
the first time on appeal, but the weaker sex dangerous warriors mentioned by Homer in the eighteenth century BC.Then they describe the life of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus and playwright Aeschylus, and after them, and Roman chroniclers.According to mythology, the Amazons formed state, which consist only of women.Presumably, it was the territory from the shores of the Black Sea to the Caucasus and beyond - into the heart of Asia.From time to time they chose men from other nations for procreation.The fate of the unborn child depended on the floor - if it was a girl, brought her into the tribe, the boy is sent out to his father or killed.
Since then, the legendary Amazon - woman, expertly wielding weapons and a great rider, which is not inferior to men in combat.Its patron - Artemis - virgin, eternally young goddess of the hunt, able to punish in anger fired an arrow from a bow.
Etymology
still among researchers there is debate about the origin of the word "Amazon".Presumably, it was formed from the Iranian word ha-mazan - "Woman Warrior".Another option - the words of a masso - "untouchable" (for men).
most common Greek etymology of the word.It is interpreted as "breastless", and according to legend, the warrior burned or cut off the breasts themselves for the convenience of using a bow.This version, however, is not confirmed in art images.
Archaeologists searching the Amazon
Archaeological excavations and found the burial does not directly prove the existence of the Amazons.Some burials of women with weapons found in the Ukraine, may indicate their noble origins.As of today, are proof of the 2000 summer mounds located on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan.Archaeologists have found more than 150 descendants of the Sarmatian graves, among whom were women warriors buried with weapons.
skeptical scientists suggest that the Amazon - a mythological image, opposed to the increasing role of women in Greek society.He is trying to revive the memory of the matriarchy and give value to the female nature.While same-sex relationships between men was preferred.She was considered cleaner and pointed to the special spiritual relationship between teacher and student.As the archetype of the Amazon - a woman equal to man, and therefore worthy of respect and admiration.
first mention of the Amazons of South America
passed many centuries before that name became popular again.At this time, the other end of the earth.Baptism of women in South America in the Amazon occurred with the light hand of the Spanish conquistadors.
In July 1539 royal officials who participated in the campaign of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada on the territory of Colombia, have prepared a report describing the conquest of new colonies.It mentions the people of Indian women living without men.Spaniards have not seen him, and recorded data on it with the words of the people who were slaves there to conceive children.Women of the Amazon tribes formed a highly developed civilization, which was headed by the Queen Harativa.
According to other sources, the Amazons became known through the conquistador Francisco Orelyani.His brigantine entered the water overflowing rapid river February 12, 1542 (currently far from this place is the town named after the brave captain).After a while, hungry Europeans are many days on the road, hospitably received in their settlement of the Indians.They told me that down the river lives a tribe "great senor" in the local dialect "konyapuyara", which the Spaniards called Amazons.
legend or true story
However, these stories are no direct references to the meeting with the fearless women.Space fills the following legend.In the days of the conquest of new lands of the Spanish Crown invaders, led by Orelyani met fierce resistance from the local Indians.Among them were women brave tribes of the Amazon.Engage them in battle and forced to retreat conquistadors called them in memory of the girls from Greek mythology.And the river, along which they fought was named Rio de las Amazonas.
Modern researchers believe that there was no warrior.Women tribes of the Amazon - is the Indians, whose long hair was misled by the Spanish invaders.A more romantic-minded people believe that they were lovers, fighting side by side with their men and are ready to sacrifice their lives.
Anyway, wild girl, Amazon continues to haunt the imagination.This is indicated by stories of adventure films and best-selling books that retell beliefs a time of great geographical discoveries.They Amazon jungle conceal countless treasures guarded by beautiful women-warriors who are cruel and merciless to outsiders.Many gold hunters died in search of easy ways to enrichment.But from time to time there are brave men who are ready to try their luck.
tribes of the Amazon rainforest
been more than five hundred years.And the Amazon jungle still hides many of unknown tribes.FUNAI Brazilian organization has registered seventy seven primitive settlements.Their way of life is different from the one that led their ancestors centuries ago: they fish, hunt, collect fruit.These people of the Amazon have never been in contact with modern civilization.Moreover, any meeting it may be fatal for them, because they have no immunity to most diseases.Therefore Aborigines taken under protection by the state.
Among them there are those who preserve the matriarchal way.But no one here is not at war and does not dominate.
Kuna tribe
most famous and accessible tourist settlement is Kuna tribe.It is located on the islands of San Blas.Wild girls Amazon, engaged in housekeeping and doing incredible beauty and subtleties of working clothes - malls.
In what appears matriarchy?This is not the bride chooses a bride, and she makes an offer to the young man.However, he has no right to refuse her.Then the man moved to the house of his wife and a few years working under the supervision of tests.Marriages are possible only among the tribesmen.The birth of girls is preferred because then they give the house an additional labor force.The rest - a family of original culture with a typical distribution of responsibilities.
Where to look for modern women warriors?
Today, an aggressive attitude is not so much a woman of the Amazon tribes, many residents of urban cities.Conquering the right to be free and independent, "homemaker" tend to leave him for professional growth.
Although they occupy leadership positions and to run the country on a new matriarchy not speak.Implicit war Amazons of modern society for their status often ends with a successful career and a conscious loneliness and, as a consequence - a demographic crisis.
