According to Greek mythology, the Amazons were a group of fierce and powerful warrior women—and they apparently inspired a whole sex position, too. OK, that latter part might not actually be a fact, but there is an Amazon sex position—and it could be worth exploring if you're looking to exert some playful dominance in the bedroom.

The Amazon sex position combines techniques from the classic cowgirl position and the well-known missionary position, according to AASECT-certified sex therapist Shannon Chavez Qureshi, Psy.D.—but there's a twist! The Amazon position involves one partner lying on their back with their legs positioned similarly to a tabletop, bent and pulled to the chest with knees together, and the other partner squatting down to position their genitals on top of their partner's.

Chavez Qureshi also believes the position was inspired by the Amazon women but notes it can be enjoyed by any couple regardless of their genders. "It has more to do with how a partner wants to be in control and dominant during sex while promoting intimacy by having partners face each other and communicate verbally or through eye contact," she says.

"The partner on top can use their legs to add more of a bounce than a grinding sensation and control the speed and depth of penetration or movement," she explains. "The partner in the bottom position does receive more intense stimulation as the partner on top can use pelvic muscles and leg strength to increase intensity."

"If you like to be in control, dominate, and be on top, this is the position for you," Sparks says. "The person on the bottom is in the submissive position even if they have the penis or are wearing the strap-on. Even the most dominant man or dildo wearer will enjoy this submissive position as the person on top does all of the work, and they enjoy all of the pleasure of being ridden in a new and exciting way."

This position is particularly great for people with vaginas, says sex and relationship coach Azaria Menezes, because they also have access to their clitoris. "The person on the bottom or on the top could sneak in a little clitoris action because, of course, we can't forget about the clitoris."

According to Megwyn White, certified clinical sexologist and director of education at sexual wellness company Satisfyer, the Amazon position is a great way to build trust between partners. "The Amazon position can be thrilling and spice up your relationship with a partner. After performing a rather difficult position, it could create a greater level of trust between partners and sense of accomplishment," she says.

Chavez Qureshi adds that the face-to-face nature of this position also promotes intimacy and connection by allowing partners to give and receive nonverbal feedback during the act.

This position requires some balancing and some attention in your core, Menezes adds, but it's totally worth it. Carol Queen, Ph.D., sexologist with Good Vibrations, jokes she's fairly certain this is why headboards were actually invented: "For any kneeling or squatting person-on-top positions, having a (sturdy enough) headboard to grab can really help with stability and the ability to have some support during thrusting," she says. 

"Communication is key here and really just listening to your body," Menezes says. "Trying new positions is really about exploration and curiosity and remembering that if something doesn't feel good, you can always adjust or try something else. Sex gets to be a co-creation where the goal is pleasure and everything else is led by curiosity and communication."