Recent scientific reevaluations of remains have historians rethinking the prevalence of women fighters throughout history.

Among its most beloved and fascinating characters is Lagertha, a powerful shieldmaiden and queen who earns respect not only on the battlefield ... of several Viking women whose deeds were merged ...

Photographs by ROBERT CLARK-PHOTOGRAPHED AT GUSTAVIANUM, UPPSALA UNIVERSITY MUSEUM Viking warriors ... and women went about their work—which may have included leading men in battle in some ...