Plot Synopsis

Narrated by Lynda Carter for the Smithsonian Channel version of the program in the United States, EPIC WARRIOR WOMEN is a one-hour documentary series that features the real-life stories of women who are symbols of empowerment, independence, and strength, while also revealing history's most iconic female fighters -- from the Roman Empire to Central Asia and West Africa -- who fought just as courageously, skillfully and fiercely as male warriors of their time. Each extraordinary tale of blood, sacrifice and endurance centers on the life of one young female warrior caught up in the bloody struggles of her time. Using re-enactments, original costumes, historic locations, and CG animation, this three-part series chronicles the military achievements of the original Amazon horse warriors of the Steppe, probes the highly-trained female gladiators of Ancient Rome, and concludes with the feared all-female regiments of Dahomey that shaped African history. Plus, interviews with historians and archaeologists provide the background of the courageous and autonomous female fighters whose ferocity, physical prowess and bravery defy historical representations of women of their time. EPIC WARRIOR WOMEN had its U.S. premiere on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel as part of the cabler's celebration of Women's History Month:

"Amazons" (U.S. Premiere: Monday, March 19 at 8pm): Discover the origins of the Greek Amazon mythology and find answers among the ancient nomad warriors of the Eurasian grasslands. Hailing from the Scythian tribes, these warriors controlled a swathe from Eastern Europe to Central Asia and kept the great powers of Greece, Persia and China at bay.

"Gladiatrix" (U.S. Premiere: Monday, March 26 at 8pm): Ancient Rome interpreted Greek mythology by encouraging gladiator women to fight to the death as Amazons in the arena. Explore how these young women managed to survive in desperate conditions, why so many were ready to die for the sake of public entertainment and what skills they needed to stay alive.

"Africa's Amazons" (U.S. Premiere: Monday, April 2 at 8pm): The Agoojj were a small but powerful fighting force of women in West AFRICA that steadily expanded in the 17th century against the much larger Asante and Yoruba Kingdoms. Learn how this all-female, slave-raiding regiment terrified both the local populations and the Europeans sent to conquer them.