But, who were the greatest African warriors of all time?
Over time, manyAfrican cultureshave adopted new traditions, making many traditional cultures extinct.
But, one thing that stands out is the African warriors who ruled over time.
Since time immemorial, the African continent has had some great leaders who have propelled the continent to its position today. Photo: canva.com (modified by author)Source: UGC
Below is a list of theseancient African warriors.
Some individuals like to associate themselves with these figures by decorating their bodies with African warrior tattoos.
Here are 15 fascinating rulers in African history.
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1.
Hatshepsut is among the African female warriors that were well educated.
During her reign, she managed to increase the wealth of Egypt by developing vital trade routes.
Hatshepsut is among the African female warriors that were well educated. Photo: @hatshepsutSource: Instagram
Moreover, she also managed to construct and commission several buildings, statues, and monuments.
Yaa Asantewaa
Yaa Asantewaa is a heroic warrior queen who ruled over the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana.
She is remembered for her role in leading the army that fought against the British invasion.
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During that time, the Golden Stool was one of the most significant possessions of the Ashanti tribe.
Yaa was later exiled to Seychelles, where she stayed until her death.
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3.
Suluku is remembered as one of the continent’s fierce warriors. Photo: @almamySource: Instagram
Almamy Suluku
Almamy Suluku, born in 1820, is remembered as one of the continents fierce warriors.
Hannibal
Hannibal of Carthage was considered one of the great African warriors in Africa and across the globe.
Under his regime, Hannibal led his armies in conquering most of the nations that faced the Mediterranean.
Hannibal of Carthage was considered one of the great African warriors in Africa and across the globe. Photo: @researching_truthSource: Instagram
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5.
Ezana of Axum
Ezana reigned over the Axum Kingdom during the 4th Century AD.
Besides this, he was a generous ruler who cared for the happiness of his subjects.
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Ezana also constructed varioussignificant monumentsand stelae during his regime.
He is also known asThe King Shark.
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7.
Ezana is revered as the first king of his region to switch to Christianity and becoming a saint of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahado Church. Photo: @ezanaSource: Instagram
Mansa was also the tenth sultan of Mali, and under his control, Mali conquered 24 cities.
Cetshwayo Kampande
Cetshwayo Kampande is recognized as a true African hero owing to his victory against the British.
At this battle, King Kampande managed to kill the heir of the French throne, Prince Napoleon.
Behanzin Hossu Bowelle was arguably the bravest and most influential West African King who ruled during the end of the 19th century. Photo: @naturallymepwSource: Instagram
Tunka Manin
Tunka Manin ruled as the king of Wagadou from 1062-1076 AD.
History books describe Tunka as just a king who mediated over most disputes in his realm personally.
Besides his involvement in the communities, King Tunka also managed to boost theeconomyof his empire.
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10.
This warrior queen ruled for 34 years, during which she seized many cities.
Queen Amina was an eager warrior.
Mansa was also the tenth sultan of Mali, and under his control, Mali conquered 24 cities. Photo: @yorumguncelcomSource: Instagram
Even from a tender age, she showed interest in wielding weapons.
To keep her authority, this female warrior refused to marry.
A vital part of her legacy is that she began the cultivation of kola nuts in her kingdom.
Kampande is recognized as a true African hero owing to his victory against the British. Photo: @myeastofedenSource: Instagram
Ewuare the Great
Ewuare was a legendary African warrior of the Benin Empire.
He came into power after a bloody battle that claimed his brothers life.
Despite a rough start to his reign, Ewuare managed to rebuild the city.
History books describe Tunka as just a king who mediated over most disputes in his realm personally. Photo: @Tunka ManinSource: Instagram
Most people believed that Ewuare had magical powers demonstrated in most of the artwork of the epoch.
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12.
Shaka Zulu
One of the popularized traits of the Zulu fighters is their exceptional combat skills.
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Even though Shaka Zulu had the power to defeat many, the war was not his first decision.
He was a skilful diplomat who incorporated other techniques to negotiate with his enemies.
Amina was a renowned female warrior of the Zaria Emirate, today Nigeria. Photo: @aminaSource: Instagram
During his tenth year of rule, Shaka was in charge of 50,000 combatants and reigned over 250,000 people.
So if you are looking for an African warrior tattoo, Shaka Zulu would be an ideal choice.
Besides, Queen Nzingha built a formidable army by recruiting runaway slaves as well as Portuguese-trained African soldiers.
Ewuare was a legendary African warrior of the Benin Empire. Photo: @ewuareSource: Instagram
Matamba became a supreme trading power in the Central African region under the Nzingha rule.
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14.
Amanirenas
Amanirenas ruled over the Kush Empire between 40 BC and 10 BC.
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She is remembered as a courageous female queen who defeated the Romans in Egypt with approximately 30,000 soldiers.
Finally, after three years of facing violent battles, the two parties decided to negotiate a peace pact.
She was considered a devoted warrior for fighting alongside her army.
Ann Nzingha ruled over the Mbundu tribe during the 17th century. Photo: @laca1913Source: Instagram
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16.
Although he was a renowned and fierce leader, he was highly educated and a great political provocateur.
The female warriors fought alongside male soldiers in 1890 in the First Franco-Dahomean war against the French.
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Their impressive skills and remarkable agility allowed them to overwhelm the French troops.
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18.
Samori Ture
Ture was born in Sanankoro, a village in the Southeast of Kankan that is currently Guinea.
He died in the Sahara in 1627, although his empire collapsed in 1591 after the invasion of the Europeans and Arabs. Photo: @abaSource: Instagram
The renowned leader utilised warfare and diplomacy to handle the French that was colonising the West African region.
He is remembered today as the leading African opponent of European imperialism.
Through his outstanding leadership qualities, his kingdom became one of the richest in the world.
This was a women-only military regiment in the Kingdom of Dahomey, which is currently the Republic of Benin. Photo: @dahomeySource: Instagram
He is still remembered and celebrated for his bravery and leadership.
Steve Biko
Steve is one of the most influential African leaders.
He was among the founders of the South African Students Organization (SASO).
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He was among the few educated Africans then, which led to his election as the organisation’s president.
He was detained and died in his cell in Pretoria Central Prison.
Their story is the true definition of black history facts.
The renowned leader utilised warfare and diplomacy to handle the French that was colonising the West African region. Photo: @tureSource: Instagram
Even though most of their stories are considered folk tales, their bravery and achievements are still celebrated.
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Keita is renowned as the founder of the ancient Mali Empire. Photo: @KeitaSource: Instagram
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Source: Briefly News
Jedidah TabaliaJedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry.
She has a BSc.
He was among the founders of the South African Students Organization (SASO). Photo: @BikoSource: Instagram
She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants.
Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
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