The article presents a new historical interpretation of the Battle of the Amazons and a new aspect for the dating. Rubens used the ancient literary sources for his mythological paintings but they always include ulterior meaning, related to actual events. This painting has not yet been linked with contemporary aspects, although none of the ancient myths can be related to it. Rubens interpreted the theme in an entirely new way showing an unusual degree of brutality and specific contemporary customs. The imminent assumption of hostilities caused the novel demonstration of violence apart from literary programs. This interpretation as a war picture dates the Battle towards the end of the armistice in the Low Countries in 1621.