12 African Kings and Queens - history and pictures
Does Africa have a royal family? In the past, Africa was home to some of the most legendary leaders around the world. These African kings and queens led their kingdoms with power and meticulousness, which is why they left lasting histories. You can be sure that even the current African kings and queens draw heavily from the experiences and leadership styles of those before them.
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Who was the greatest African king? Who was the most powerful African Queen? Surprisingly, some of the kings were not all African warriors who led troops to battle. Some of them were scholars while others were tradesmen. While talking about African rulers, it is impossible to forget the near-legendary Egyptian empire.
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12 African kings and queens pictures
Who was the king of Africa? Who was the first queen in Africa? Considering that Africa is a continent with many countries, there are several kings and queens that left a huge impact on their communities. Let us look at some of the leaders who used to enjoy some of the best kings and queens African cuisine.
1. Queen Aminatu
This Hausa African warrior princess was the daughter of Bakwa Turunku. Having inherited her mother’s assertive personality, she honed her military skills and soon became one of her kingdom’s greatest warriors, making her one of the unforgettable African queens. Through her, Hausaland became a centre of trade in West Africa and the Sahara.
2. Queen Nefertiti
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Among the African kings and queens, Queen Nefertiti truly left a mark in Egypt for her strength, power, and beauty. She was the mother of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun. Together with her husband, she started the cult of Aten, which worshipped the sun god. To this day, her painted sandstone bust is a global icon for women.
3. Queen Cleopatra of Egypt
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This African queen is a legend who has inspired millions of artists around the world, including William Shakespeare. Born around 69 BC, Cleopatra overthrew her brother with the help of Julius Caesar and she ascended the throne. She died in 30 BC after being bitten by an Egyptian Cobra.
4. Makeda, Queen of Sheba
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This royal epic of incredible strength is from the 14th century in Ethiopia. Some have stated that she had a son with the biblical King Solomon. The son then went on to become the first Ethiopian ruler and established the line of the great East African and Nubian rulers.
5. Queen Ranavalona the First of Madagascar
This queen descended from the Merina tribe, reigned between 1788 and 1861, and she established Madagascar as an independent region in a time when Europeans wanted to colonize Africa. In the eyes of the colonialists, she was a tyrant while her people saw her as a patriot.
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6. Queen Nandi of the Zulu kingdom
It is impossible to talk of African kings and queens without mentioning the Zulu Kingdom. There is no one better to represent them than Queen Nandi herself who was Shaka Zulu’s mother. Historians state that she conceived Shaka Zulu out of wedlock and was an immense influence during her reign.
7. Shaka Zulu
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Who is the greatest African leader? Zulu warriors had exceptional skills in combat, and Shaka Zulu was at the helm of most of that military success. Away from war, Shaka was an astute diplomat, which is why he ruled about a quarter of a million people with a strong army of about 50,000.
8. Ewuare the Great
Ewuare ruled the Benin Empire during the later stages of the 15th century AD in a bloody and violent ascension. Despite the bloody start that overthrew his own brother, he went on to build Benin City and expanded trade with other regions. Due to his power, some thought him to possess supernatural powers.
9. Mansa Kankan Musa
Mansa of Mali was the wealthiest African warrior king, and he ruled from 1312 to 1337 AD. Under his leadership, Mali expanded into 24 other cities. His exploits and riches earned him several nicknames such as the Lion of Mali, the Lord of the Mines of Wangara, and Conqueror of Ghanata, among others.
10. The King Shark
Real name Béhanzin (Gbêhanzin) Hossu Bowelle, King Shark was one of the most powerful monarchs of West Africa during the later stages of the 19th century. He had a fierce reputation for war, although he suffered defeat at the hands of the French with their superior weapons.
11. King Tutankhamun
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Famously known as King Tut, this ruler was the Pharaoh between approximately 1323 and 1332 BCE. He did not accomplish much during his reign but he had one of the most luxurious tombs after his death. He died at the tender age of 19, and his tomb was undiscovered until 1922.
12. Ezana of Axum
Axum existed in present-day northern Ethiopia and was under Ezana’s rule in the 4th century AD. He inherited the kingdom from his father at a tender age. Historians state that the kingdom extended to parts of Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
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This continent has produced some truly legendary and magnificent African kings and queens whose memories live on to this day. Which kings and queens of Africa do you admire most? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.
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