Some of my friends were influenced by Maria Gimbutas, an archaeologist who confounded the male dominated world of archaeology by saying that the many ancient female images found in European excavations were evidence that an age of matriarchy preceded the age of patriarchy. She stated that this matriarchy was a time of peace, of co-existence and of culture because such civilised values were central to the lives of women unlike men: "Its people did not produce lethal weapons or build forts in inaccessible places." Instead, inspired by the gentle influence of the goddess, they lived in "comfortable houses," in an "age free of strife." This glorious age in Europe ended suddenly and violently she said with the arrival of the Kurgan marauders who brought with them warfare, military technology and patriarchy. (Ref. Her 1974 study "Gods and Goddesses of Old Europe" and in her later "The Language of the Goddess: Unearthing the Hidden Symbols of Western Civilisation " (Harper & Row, 1989)), Men have reinforced her theory by claiming the warrior role as their own.
To go on to challenging new evidence from Aboriginal culture.
And to how British stories of fighting women may challenge her theories.