1533?-1610
Ruler Of Zazzau

A Fearless Warrior. Amina is the best known of the legendary Hausa queens who ruled kingdoms in the savanna region of West Africa. Probably born in 1533, she was the eldest daughter of a high-ranking government official of the king of Kufena, Bakwa Turunku, who in 1536 seized political power and made herself ruler of Zazzau (later known as Zaria) Much is known of Amina because of an anonymous book, Amina, Sarauniya Zazzau (Amina, Queen of Zazzau), written shortly after her death. Unlike other women of her time in Zazzau, Amina took a great interest in warfare and received extensive military training. Her reputation as a woman who was as capable as a man was derived largely from her prowess as a fearless warrior.

Political Skills. At an early age Amina developed an intense interest in politics and public affairs, acquiring political skills not...