In African history, we’ve had historical rulers who did everything to benefit their kingdoms. In this article, we look at five powerful ancient African kings; some you know about and some you don’t.
King Mansa Musa:
Between 1306 -1332 AD, Mansa Musa was the king of the Mali kingdom. While he adopted the title “Mansa”, which means “Emperor” or “King of kings”, his real name was Musa Keita. He was the 10th emperor of the Mali kingdom. King Mansa Musa was famed for travelling to Mecca alongside 72,000 residents for a holy pilgrimage.
His tenure led the Mali kingdom to become one of the wealthiest kingdoms in the world. This growth was mainly boosted by the production of gold, salt, agriculture and their dynamic trade.
He was a great military leader who spent lavishly. He captured many kingdoms, which extended his territory to modern-day Senegal, Gambia, etc. Mansa Musa has been recognized as one of the most extraordinary African emperors there has ever been.
King Amenhotep III:
King Amenhotep III, also known as “Amenhotep the Magnificent” or “Amenhotep the great”, is next on our list. He came to power when he was 12 years old, served as the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth dynasty, and is still recognized as one of the greatest pharaohs of the 18th dynasty.
During the reign of King Amenhotep III, Egypt enjoyed stability, peace and wealth. In that period, Egypt had a notable influence on diplomacy and foreign policy.
He ruled for 38 years alongside his wife, Queen Tiye, who he adored. He also constructed an artificial lake outside his palace to honor her.
Oba Oduduwa of the Oyo Empire:
He was the ruler of the Oyo Empire in 700 A.D. In Yoruba culture, he was recognized as a senior deity. He came from the lower Nigerian region and conquered many existing settlements to develop Yorubaland.
Oba Oduduwa had 16 children. Before his death, he sent each of his children to the conquered territories to rule them autonomously. This led to the founding of the Ila, Orangun, Owu, Ketu, Sabe, Popo, and Oyo kingdoms, which constituted the Yoruba dynastic family line.
Shaka Zulu:
Shaka Zulu was the founder of the famous Zulu tribe in South Africa. Shaka Zulu was known initially as Sigidi kaSenzangakhona. However, African kings’ names were inspired by their tribes of origin, ancestors, or birth stories.
‘Shaka’ is believed to have stemmed from his father’s belief that Nandi, his mother, was not pregnant but was suffering from an intestinal condition caused by the iShaka beetle.
It is said that Shaka Zulu used dictatorial means to unite the Zulu tribes. He is also known for creating a powerful military force out of these tribes.
During his ruthless 12 year reign, Zulu’s troops killed 2 million enemies.
King Ezana of Axum:
King Ezana was the ruler of the kingdom of Axum, modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea. His reign marked a significant period in Ethiopian history because he is still celebrated as the first Ethiopian king to embrace Christianity. As a result, Christianity became a state religion.
King Ezana was essential in establishing the Ethiopian Church. He also brought about the building of several obelisks (tall, pyramid-like monuments) and unique structures. Ezana is also famed for how he ended the powerful rival kingdom of Meroe.
He boosted increased international trade in his reign, thereby making the land of Axum prosper.
