Queen Amina was part of a long history of peaceful rulers. During this time, no colonizers attempted to steal from or trade with Nigeria. Nevertheless, Amina did something that many may not have done in her position, especially in peaceful prosperous times.
She constantly prepared for war! She trained her people’s bodies and minds, developing herself into a fearsome warrior queen. But after the death of the King, things began to change.
Amina was the first woman to rule Nigeria, and she had one goal: to expand her empire and the country’s trade routes. To do this, she had to conquer local kingdoms and annex them as her own. Could she pull it off?
Absolutely! Amina not only expanded the kingdom and increased its wealth, but she also found an ingenious way to protect her people from attacks.
She built thick earthen walls surrounding her military camps and villages, to fend off attack. Many of these walls still exist today – they’re called “Amina’s Walls.”
Under her rule, Nigeria grew even more prosperous. Amina remains one of the greatest rulers to ever sit on a throne! Her stories were even appropriated for the TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess".
Black women have led societies for centuries, and they need support more than ever. How can you show love to a Black woman today?