Introduction: The female perspective of queen tales has always been in the shadows of the male perspective in history. But in African history, it is rich with the perspective of strong queens, and their might and intelligence have shaped nations.
From the ancient Egyptian sand dunes to the fortified city of Nigeria and from the diplomatic courts of Angola, these women have etched legacies of power, sowed the seeds of inspiration for time to come.
Cleopatra VII of Egypt (69-30 BCE):
Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, is perhaps the most renowned queen in history.
With her at the helm, Egypt would keep its independence with Cleopatra, known to be astute in the political machination department and with the powerful alliances she had managed to forge at the top brass of the Roman leadership of her time—Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her reign was marked by a diplomacy and strategic alliance that reflected her commitment to the prosperity and cultural renaissance of the subjects.
Amina of Zazzau (1566-1610):
In the heart of what is now Nigeria, Queen Amina of Zazzau emerged as a symbol of military genius and expansion. Amina, reigning in an era and land when women leadership was a mirage, walked her kingdom in many victorious military campaigns that expanded its boarders in wealth and power.
Her legacy of strength and expansion endures, with remnants of the fortifications she built still visible today.
Makeda, Queen of Sheba (10th century BCE):
The legend of Makeda, Queen of Sheba, spans both culture and religion from Ethiopia to Yemen and beyond. Known for her quest to King Solomon, Makeda is a symbol of the quest for knowledge and keeping diplomatic relations. Her calm and prosperous rule served as a preparatory period for the coming of the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia, which would give an impression of her as a judicious agent of cross-fertilization of cultures.
Queen Nzinga of Angola (1583-1663):
In the face of Portuguese colonial aggression, the queen of Ndongo, Nzinga Mbande, and later of Matamba, bequeathed the symbol of resistance. A woman who handled her diplomacy and applied her military strategies with an iron hand, in an unyielding effort to keep her people free. To Nzinga, she left a legacy of great resistance tenacity against being subdued, hence inspiring the movements of the country and continent by the name of Angola.
Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire (circa 1840-1921):
Yaa Asantewaa was a queen mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire and led the historic War of the Golden Stool against British colonial forces. Their mobilization in defense of the independence and cultural identity of the Ashanti people marked her bravery towards it. She is one of the remarkable leaders by having the spirit of resistance that could lead other souls to rise against the colonial government’s oppressive rule.
Conclusion:
The histories of Cleopatra, Amina, Makeda, Nzinga, and Yaa Asantewaa bring out the way womanhood has impacted history. These were protectors not only of their territory but of their society, who would have to build it from that moment. This new time starts with taking leadership, resistance, and rebellion with them. A legacy that continues to light up across Africa and the world, serving as a reminder of the powerful role women played and continue to play in history.
