This Weekly Escape explores the true wonder women of the ancient world, the history and culture we lost when L.A. burned ... and why these monkeys are trying to mate with deer. Plus, the real story behind earlier puberty in girls—and a Mormon massacre.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MET/SCALA, FLORENCE 

Did Gal Gadot get part of the legendarily fierce Amazons right? Archaeology is revealing that the real Amazons were horse-riding, spear-throwing, pants-wearing fearsome female fighters from ancient Scythia. Maybe not cinematic Wonder Women, but they were plenty tough. Here’s what we know.

Related: Fierce and female, these 7 women warriors fought their way into history

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ATSUYUKI OHSHIMA

Related: Inside a real bug’s life in love—and murder 

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER BROWN 

Rebuild? Retreat? We look at the memories lost in the L.A. wildfires—and discover that, unlike roads and utility lines, the past is not as easy to recover. Author Rosecrans Baldwin writes that L.A. will rebound; “we always do.”

Related: What really caused L.A. fire hydrants to run out of water 

Today’s Soundtrack: Los Angeles, I’m Yours, The Decemberists

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading! Have a suggestion for us? Let us know!