When did women first fight in a war?

Women have participated in warfare throughout history, but their roles varied significantly across cultures and time periods. One prominent early example is during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), where women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men to fight alongside soldiers. Additionally, women served in various capacities during the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, often taking on roles as nurses, spies, or combatants. The recognition of women in combat roles has evolved, with many nations officially integrating women into armed forces in the 20th and 21st centuries.