ADVERTISEMENT

Daring African Queens: Amina of Zaria

Amina of Zaria, as she is commonly called, was born in 1533 to King Nikatau and Queen Bakwa Turunku in Zazzau, a Hausa city-state. Zaria was her younger sister, whose name would later be given as a modern city in Kaduna State in the twentieth century by the British.

 Queen Amina of Zaria

Amina also had a brother, Karama, who became king at some point.

From childhood, Amina was trained in the military and political affairs of the land by her grandfather; she began to train as a warrior from an early age.

After her parents died, her brother assumed the throne and ruled for ten years; during his rule, Amina was known for her mastery of military skills and as a leading soldier in Zazzau cavalry. Zazzau was one of the largest states of the original Hausa states ( Kano, Daura, Katsina, Garun Gabas, Gobir, Rano). By the time of her brother’s death, Amina was known all over for her notorious military skills and fierce warrior spirit, earning accolades and respect from other warriors in the Zazzau military. As such, she became the ruler of Zazzau.

In her 34- year reign, Queen Amina sought to expand her kingdom to its largest in history. In the third month of her reign, she set out with about 20,000 soldiers to wage war against the neighbouring territories in a bid to expand Zazzau. She conquered every region and controlled more territories than before. For every new land acquired, Queen Amina built distinct earthen fortifications in the form of walls to protect her cities, known as the ‘Amina walls.’ Apart from her conquering quest, Queen Amina also established trade routes across Northern Africa, making Zazzau a major trading centre; this boosted Zazzau's wealth and prosperity. Queen Amina took advantage of the prowess in metal works of her people; she brought in a novel idea of using metal armour like helmets and chain mail in battle by her army. She was termed the warrior queen.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 1610, Queen Amina died; although the cause and place of her death are unknown, speculations say she died in a place called Atagara during battle.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

A billionaire is building a new Titanic ship — when is the first trip?

A billionaire is building a new Titanic ship — when is the first trip?

Anyone who lives in this beautiful villa is cursed with bad luck

Anyone who lives in this beautiful villa is cursed with bad luck

Sony’s creators convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s creators convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Abortion, cohabitation and other 'sins' Catholic Church does not forgive

Abortion, cohabitation and other 'sins' Catholic Church does not forgive

5 drinks that stain teeth and how to keep your teeth white

5 drinks that stain teeth and how to keep your teeth white

5 tips for escaping a car sinking underwater

5 tips for escaping a car sinking underwater

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT