Penthesilea

Exekias: Greek amphora depicting Achilles slaying PenthesileaAchilles slaying Penthesilea, the queen of the Amazons, Attic black-figure amphora signed by Exekias, c. 530–525 bce; in the British Museum, London.

Penthesilea, in Greek mythology, a queen of the Amazons, well respected for her bravery, her skill in weapons, and her wisdom. She led an army of Amazons to Troy to fight against the Greeks. She was said to have killed Achilles, but Zeus brought him back to life, and Achilles killed her. One version says that Achilles was so overcome with remorse that he killed a man who mocked his grief.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.
Citation Information
Article Title: Penthesilea
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 01 November 2016
Access Date: February 22, 2025