The legend of brave female fighter Rodoguna

Rodoguna was a daughter of Mitridat I, who joined huge territories to Parthia, entered ancient Babylon and Seleucia on the river Tigris, where in 140 BC he crowned and declared himself king of Babylon and Uruck.

The legend says that one day Rodoguna was bathing in the swimming pool.  At that time a rushed on the horse messenger reported about approaching of enemy cavalry.  Without hesitation Rodoguna wrung her wet hair out, put a military armor on, mounted a horse, and swore that she would finish her toilet after gaining a victory. Leading small group of her personal security she like the wind rushed at enemies, who did not expected such fierce and swift attack. Rodoguna put them to flight and returned to the palace with victory. This story was so popular among Parthians that they ordered to artists Rodoguna’s images presenting a beautiful woman who gone out of water after bathing. Her strength and bravery were not emphasized specially, but beauty and grace of the brave Parthian woman.

The National Museum of Turkmenistan keeps a statue of Rodoguna, found during excavations by archeologists in Nisa.