Human civilization is believed to have started in Africa and throughout history, it has been home to some of the world’s most dynamic leaders.
Among those leaders are queens who headed their empires with power and precision that left a lasting mark on history. Here are some of the most potent Ancient African Queens in history.
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- Queen Aminatu
Queen Aminatu was one of the greatest warriors of Zazzau. Legend has it that Aminatu inherited her warlike nature from her mother who built the city of Zazzau. Her career as a warrior princess lasted for more than 30 years.
As a warrior, Aminatu was widely known for her smart battle techniques and skills that enabled Zazzau to increase its borders. It was also during her reign that the kingdom went on to become the focal point of the East-West Sudan trade and the North-South Saharan trade.
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- Queen Makeda
Queen Makeda of Sheba is often described as a courageous woman who bravely killed the serpent King Awre.
She is also widely known for an interesting story with King Solomon of Jerusalem who taught her everything about monotheism and leadership.
The legacy she left to the Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity was strongly emphasized in the Old Testament.
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- Queen Nefertiti
Queen Nefertiti is considered as the most prominent queen of Egypt. She was the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Her painted sandstone bust is often times referred to as a symbol of feminine power and beauty.
Egyptologists portray Nefertiti as a woman of authority and power that often drives a chariot.
Nefertiti along with her husband, Akhenaten established the cult of Aten following the religious and cultural upheaval of Egypt.
Ancient Egyptians often described the relationship between Nefertiti and Akhenaten to be genuine.
As a matter of fact, the royal couple is sometimes seen kissing in public which is relatively unpopular for ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Interesting Facts about Ancient African Queens
- Queen Makeda and King Solomon had a son named Menelik I who went on to become the first Imperial King of Ethiopia and the first of a line of Axumite Kings.
- Queen Nandi of the Zulu Kingdom was the mother of Shaka Zulu. She had great influence over the affairs of the kingdom under the leadership of his son.
- Several historians say that Makeda and her son were responsible for bringing the biblical Ark of the Covenant to Axum. It was also through them that the lineage of powerful Nubian and East African Kings was born.
- At present, the replica of the Ark of the Covenant serves as an emblem of the connection between King Solomon of Jerusalem and Queen Makeda of Sheba.
- Queen Ravanalona I ruled the Madagascar Islands from the period of 1788 to 1861.
- Nefertiti married Akhenaten when she just 15-years old and together they had six children which included King Tutankhamun.
- The death of Queen Nandi marked a long period of mourning known as the Isililo SikaNandi.
- The father of Queen Aminatu was the great Bakwa Turunku.
How long did Queen Ravanalona I ruled the islands of Madagascar?
Queen Ravanalona I ruled the Madagascar Islands for 33 years.
How did Queen Cleopatra die?
Queen Cleopatra died in 30 B.C. after being bitten by an Egyptian cobra.
Who was the last pharaoh of Egypt?
Queen Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
Where was Queen Nefertiti born?
The birthplace of Nefertiti is still a mystery to everyone. It is widely believed that Nefertiti was either born in a foreign country known today as Syria or at the town of Akhmim.
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