I was recently reading a book on the Byzantine Empire because it is an area that I know little about despite my great interest in Rome. Now in the book the author mentions a woman by the name of Sichelgaita and states that she accompanied her husband on campaign and was actually in command of the right flank in various battles. Now I wonder is this true and did she fight in combat?
The account of Gaïta is mentioned in Book Four of the Alexiad by Anna Komnena, during the Battle of Dyrrachium versus Robert Guiscard:
"And now, as rumour relates, directly Gaïta, Robert's wife (who was riding at his side and was a second Pallas, if not an Athene) saw these soldiers running away, she looked after them fiercely and in a very powerful voice called out to them in her own language an equivalent to Homer's words, " How far will ye flee ? Stand, and quit you like men! " And when she saw they continued to run, she grasped a long spear and at full gallop rushed after the fugitives; and on seeing this they recovered themselves and returned to the fight."
Now, the important thing here is to concentrate on the phrase "as rumor relates".
As daughter of Alexios, Anna would have heard his version of battle, and it is also likely that she may have spoken to other officers and soldiers who took part.
Taking this into account, that she mentions it is a rumour is interesting. Is it possible Gaita could have inspired retreating troops? Certainly, but Anna had access to numerous participants of the battle, and if it was widely witnessed and corroborated, I believe she would have presented it in a more factual manner.
Source: http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/AnnaComnena-Alexiad04.asp