Ancient African Queen - Queen Aminatu

Queen Aminatu, daughter of Bakwa Turunku, was a great Hausa warrior. She is well known as a warrior princess, having inherited her mother’s assertive and precise nature.

Her mother built the capital of Zazzau. The city was one of the seven original states of Hausaland in the 16th century. As a member of the royal family, Amina chose to hone her military skills. She soon became one of the greatest warriors of Zazzau.

She increased Zazzau’s borders through her smart tactic. Her leadership helped to make Hausaland the center of trade in the Saharan and West African region. She was also the architect of Hausaland’s fortified walls. Her career as a warrior and princess spanned over three decades.