Amina, Nigerian Queen, 1533-1610

Queen Bakwa, Amina�s mother, died around 1566 and the reign of Zazzua in Nigeria was passed to her younger brother Karama. Although her mother's reign was known for peace, Amina chose to learn military skills from the warriors. Amina became the leading warrior of teh Zazzua cavalry and her military achievements brought her great wealth and power. When Karama died after a 10-year rule, Amina became queen of Zazzua. Queen Amina headed the northern Nigerian Hausa city-state of Zaria. It is thought that perhaps the Hausa were matrilineal people at that time since having a woman as queen was not all that rare. She began her first military expedition three months after coming to power and continued fighting until her death. During her 34-year reign, she expanded Zazzua to its largest size ever. She is credited with popularizing protective city walls made of mud and ordering the building of a defensive wall around each military camp she established. As time passed, towns grew within these protective walls, many of which are still in existence.

Article by: Alexander S