Why Matriarchal Societies Fail: The Fall of the Scythian Amazons and the Triumph of Patriarchy
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS, Freemason, Windows Sons MRA Member, Bachelors of Science in Information Technology with Cybersecurity Speciality
As a man who has witnessed the disastrous effects of socialist and matriarchal ideologies in various forms—both in my personal experiences and in the broader context of world history—I've come to realize that societies led by women, or those that elevate feminine qualities over masculine virtues, often face systemic issues that eventually lead to their downfall. This is not an opinion born out of bitterness but rather from a deep understanding of historical precedent, where matriarchal systems have consistently faltered while patriarchal societies have endured and prospered.
One of the clearest examples of this dynamic can be found in the story of the Scythians, particularly their Amazons—mythical warrior women who were celebrated in both ancient Greek mythology and the historical record. These women fought valiantly alongside men, but ultimately, their society was absorbed by patriarchal Scythian tribes and their enemies. To understand why matriarchal societies fail, we must first examine the history and eventual collapse of the Scythian Amazons.
The Rise and Fall of the Scythian Amazons
The Amazons are a fascinating and enduring part of ancient myth and history. They were depicted as fierce, independent women who lived on the fringes of the known world, often in areas around the Black Sea, and were said to have rejected traditional female roles in favor of warrior status. The Scythians, a nomadic group of Iranian descent, were one of the major forces in this region during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. While the exact nature of their society remains subject to debate, it is clear that there was a significant presence of women warriors who fought alongside their male counterparts in battle.
Yet, despite their fierce independence, the Scythian Amazons eventually failed to maintain a separate, matriarchal society. Over time, they were absorbed into the broader patriarchal Scythian culture, which ultimately triumphed in both military power and political organization. This transition occurred not only because of the superior military strategies and unity of patriarchal systems but also due to the inherent limitations of a matriarchal society.
Why Matriarchal Societies Fail
Matriarchal societies, while often praised for their focus on cooperation and nurturing, are ultimately vulnerable to the structural weaknesses that come from undermining the roles that men traditionally play in warfare, leadership, and the protection of the social order.
Lack of Military Strategy and Unity
Matriarchal societies, like the Amazons, may excel in small-scale, localized conflicts, but they often struggle to form the military strategies and alliances needed to resist larger, more organized patriarchal forces. The Scythian Amazons, while fearsome in battle, did not have the same level of military cohesion or tactical depth that patriarchal societies developed. This weakness in organization made them vulnerable to absorption by the patriarchal Scythians.The Importance of Patriarchy in Statecraft
Historically, patriarchal societies have been better able to create and maintain the kind of centralized authority needed for the long-term survival of a state. Patriarchal structures are typically more adaptable to changing conditions and able to form alliances that are strategic, rather than based on emotional or social ties. The matriarchal Scythians lacked this organizational strength, which ultimately led to their dissolution.The Burden of Feminine Ideals in Warfare
The role of women in combat is romanticized in modern discourse, but historical evidence shows that societies that placed men in charge of defending the community often had better survival rates. Men are naturally inclined to engage in the physical struggles of warfare, whereas matriarchal systems often leaned too heavily on softer ideals of peace and cooperation, which are not always practical in the brutal realities of territorial conquest and survival.Absorption by Patriarchal Societies
As with the Scythian Amazons, matriarchal societies are often absorbed by patriarchal forces. The balance of power shifts toward those who have mastered the art of war and governance. In the case of the Scythian Amazons, they were overtaken by the patriarchal Scythians and other nomadic tribes. The very structure that had once allowed them to thrive now became a weakness that led to their collapse.
The Universal Truth About Patriarchy
The fall of the Scythian Amazons is not an isolated case. History is filled with examples of matriarchal or female-led societies that eventually succumbed to patriarchal systems. From the breakdown of matriarchal tribal structures in ancient Europe to the eventual rise of male-dominated empires across Asia and the Middle East, the evidence suggests that patriarchal systems have a more resilient capacity to adapt, expand, and endure. Patriarchy is not just about male dominance—it is about the ability to maintain order, protect communities, and establish long-lasting political and military strength.
While matriarchal values such as care, cooperation, and compassion are important, they cannot function in a vacuum. As I’ve experienced in my own life, from my time in leadership positions in CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, the balance of these values with the strength and order that patriarchy provides is essential for societal survival. This is not to say that women should be subjugated or their roles diminished; rather, it highlights the reality that in both the ancient and modern world, the preservation of social order, military might, and leadership structures must be grounded in the masculine virtues of strength, order, and discipline.
Conclusion
As an Iranian-American Christian who has lived through the collapse of several ideological systems—from my time as a former vegan, socialist, and Democrat to my eventual embrace of Christianity and the conservative values that come with it—I have come to understand the vital role that patriarchy plays in ensuring the longevity of a society. The failure of matriarchal societies like the Scythian Amazons is a lesson for all of us: without the stability, organization, and strength that patriarchy provides, societies, no matter how noble their intentions, are doomed to be absorbed by those who understand the importance of these structures.
The triumph of patriarchy over matriarchy is not about a rejection of women’s roles but about acknowledging the complementary nature of masculine and feminine strengths. A society that only values one side of this equation is destined for failure. This understanding shapes my Christian conservative worldview, where I believe that traditional roles, rooted in both scripture and historical precedent, offer the best foundation for a prosperous and lasting civilization.
Citations:
- Herodotus, The History of Herodotus, trans. George Rawlinson, Vol. 1 (London: John Murray, 1858).
- Rachel H. B. Golden, The Scythian World (New York: Routledge, 1999).
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, On the Natural Varieties of Mankind, ed. Thomas Bendyshe (London: Henry Bohn, 1865).
- John Boardman, The Greeks Overseas: Their Early Colonies and Trade (London: Thames and Hudson, 1999).
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