Amina of Zaria
(1533 - 1633?)
Queen
Warrior
When Bakwa died in 1566, the crown of Zazzua passed to Amina’s younger brother, Karama. Their sister, Zaria, fled the region and little is known about her.
Although Bakwa's reign was known for peace and prosperity, Amina chose to hone her military skills from the warriors of the Zazzau military. As a result, she emerged as leader of the Zazzua cavalry. Many accolades, great wealth, and increased power resulted from her numerous military achievements.
When her brother Karama died after a ten-year rule, Amina had matured into a fierce warrior and had earned the respect of the Zazzau military and she assumed the reign of the kingdom.
Amina led her first military charge a few months after assuming power. For the rest of her 34 year reign, she continued to fight and expand her kingdom to the greatest in history. The objective for initiating so many battles was to make neighbouring rulers her vassal and permit her traders safe passage. In this way, she boosted her kingdom’s wealth and power with gold, slaves, and new crops. Because her people were talented metal workers, Amina introduced metal armor, including iron helmets and chain mail, to her army.
To her credit, she fortified each of her military camps with an earthen wall. Later, towns and villages sprung up within these protective barriers. The walls became known as Amina’s Walls and many of them remain in existence to this day.
According to legend, Amina refused to marry and never bore children. Instead, she took a temporary husband from the legions of vanquished foes after every battle. After spending one night together, she would condemn him death in the morning in order to prevent him from ever speaking about his sexual encounter with the queen.
Legend also decrees she died during a military campaign at Atagara near Bida in Nigeria. Her exploits earned her the moniker Amina, daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man. Her legendary escapades made her the model for the television series Xena Warrior Princess. Today, her memory represents the spirit and strength of womanhood.
9 comments:
I had no idea about this woman! It was great to learn about her, so thanks for sharing with us.
The problem with me is that I usually stop in Europe and don't move! I Know it's a mistake.
Have a nice weekend
Bisous
This was quit interesting. Thank you for sharing this powerful story.
"Instead, she took a temporary husband from the legions of vanquished foes after every battle. After spending one night together, she would condemn him death in the morning in order to prevent him from ever speaking about his sexual encounter with the queen." Wow!! I'm reminded of the praying mantis... Awesome information. I hope someone writes a historical adult novel about her. I will check out that link you posted tho for that book. I love reading about women like this.
Wow, I've never heard of this woman. Thanks for finding this information. Fact is always more interesting than fiction.
That's a freaky touch on her part to execute her temporary husbands. There's a strategy for getting the men to leave you alone. I wonder if she ever actually had sex with any of them.
Thank you, Mirella, for a fascinating post on an interesting warrior queen.
How interesting! wonderful post.
I hadnt heard of her before. Amina does sound like a fascinating woman.
I do feel bad for her temporary husbands!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
There's a man in there.
Tara said she's reminded of praying mantises... but it's Tales of the Arabian Nights that this really tickles in my memory.
BTW, Tracy Falbe - why wouldn't she avail herself of the man's charms, if he pleased her? Need she be a vestal virgin, to be powerful? She could always pull out, to prohibit progeny.
wow, i love this story about amina..i've alwayz wanted to learn more about this woman..i am named after her.my first name iz zaria and my middle name is amina but im african american with indian though.my mom had alwayz told me stories about her when i was little.she even gave me a poster with her picture and a biography about her.she inspires me for the simple fact that me and her is just alike,well at least not with the killing my temporary husbands haha.i would love to name my future kids after a name like her someday.ithink her name is very powerful n unique.
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