From having the greatest of soldiers to winning wars, taking territories, commanding respect, and even down to liberating their people; many African warriors right from the BCs to ADs and even the colonial era have risen in different tribes and kingdoms.
Even though many of the Kingdoms these warriors took charge of have gone into extinction, stories of them have been told over and time again. Africa’s greatest warriors of all time include men and women such as Pharaoh Taharqa, Amarinarinas, Queen Amina, Shaka Zulu, Shango, Ann Nzingha, Yaa Asantewa, Cetschwa Kampande, and Hatshepsut.
Here’s what you should know about the greatest African warriors and their deeds.
15 Greatest African Warriors You Need To Know
1. Memnon (700 BC)
In Greek mythology, Memnon was born to Tithonus and Eos. He grew to become a king and among African warriors in Ethiopia and was widely known across nations because of his fighting spirit, strength and many other features that earned him the comparison of a demi-god.
Having fought in many battles grounds that include the fight against the Greek for Troy, he was later killed by Achilles. History however recorded that because of the tears of Eos, Zeus the king of gods bestowed immortality on him.
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2. Yasuke
Yasuke is an African who although history is certain he was the first immigrant to reach the stage of a Samurai in Japan, his exact country of birth is not known. However, many stories surfaced that he may be from Mozambique, Ethiopia, or even Nigeria.
For Yasuke, his strength, height of more than 6 feet, and the trust and friendship of Japanese warlord Nobunaga made him fight many wars and rose to become one of the greatest in the history of warriors. It is believed he may have existed between 1579 to 1582.
In Hollywood, the story of Yasuke has been told in, ‘Yasuke’, and ‘Samurai Blood’, ‘ He is believed to be exiled after Nobunaga was murdered.
3. Lusius Quietus (117 AD)
As one among African warriors, Trajan was one of the greatest Roman Emperors to have ever existed. His successes in many battles had to do with one of his most trusted allies, an African Berber, Lusius Quietus who would become a Roman general and governor of Judea.
In Kitos War, he served as commander and before the death of Trajan, he earned the trust of the Roman Emperor. Although it was the wish of Trajan for Quietus to succeed him, Quietus was killed by who many believe to be Hadrian.
To date, he remains a Berber to be significant in Roman history.
4. Pharoah Taharqa (690 BC)
Known as a black Pharoah, Taharqa was the 4th Pharoah of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt and the King of Kush. He was one of the Ethiopian pharaohs to have ruled Egypt. At the age of 20, Taharqa’s army defeated the Assyrians.
Taharqa started to rule in 690 BC after the death of Shabaka. However, his reign was filled with the war against Assyria that mostly went in favour of his people. Later, the Assyrians captured his territory and forced him to flee. He died in Thebes in 664 BC and was laid to rest in Nuri, Northern Sudan but not until he became a warrior the African history will forever remember.
5. Queen Amanirenas (60 BC)
Nubian people are present-day Northern Sudanese and Southern Egyptians. In ancient times, they were known for bravery, and their ability to fight wars and conquer. In 60 BC, Amanirenas became queen of Kush and turned herself into a warrior that would see her people conquer part of Rome and enlarge the territory of Kush. Soon, Rome reclaimed its territory and Kush*tes struck again claiming another victory. The war continued until there was peace between the Amanirenas’ people and Romans.
Amanirenas was blind in one eye and that made her popular as ‘The one-eyed Queen’. She reigned until 10 BC.
6. Ramesses II The Great (1279 BC)
He was the third Egyptian Pharoah of the 19th Dynasty. Aside from ruling his people, Ramesses II became a great warrior with victories over the Hittites and The Battle of Kadesh. With him as king, the territory of Egypt was secured and he lived up to 96 years. History has however given different sides to the story of Ramesses. While others claim he was only a showman and propagandist, others say he had a successful reign as Pharoah.
Aside from the battles fought, it was during his reign that there was the first known peace treaty in 1258 BC with the Hittites.
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7. Shaka Zulu (1816 AD)
He was one of the greatest kings of Southern Africa and of the Zulu Kingdom. At an early age, he started training as a warrior and by the time he became the leader of the Zulu people, he was good enough to start the reformation of his kingdom. His military became one of the best and he was able to claim many territories.
The deeds of Shaka has helped in making the Zulu Kingdom popular across many nations. In his time as a king and warrior, he created a short spear called Assegai which was mostly used in wars. He also created shields for his army.
He reigned from 1816 AD – 1828 following an assassination by his half brothers.
Shango was the 4th King of Oyo Empire and is often referred to as a deity in Yoruba land and Benin. He has been described as a great and powerful man whose voice was like thunder and a mouth that would spread fire.
With strength and always ready for battle, Shango fast became known among the Yoruba people. However, he fast lost his glory when a magician challenged him before his people. When lost, he was said to commit suicide. His followers claimed that he ascended and not died as reported.
The great deeds of Shango in battles and many other phases of life during his reign made him one of the greatest African warriors. People in Oyo and beyond to choose to worship him. His worship has reached the shores of Brazil, Cuba and Haiti.
9. Hannibal Of Carthage (221 BC)
In human history, Hannibal Barca of Carthage (present-day Tunisia) is considered one of the greatest military commander to have ever lived. He was a commander responsible for commanding the second Punic war and also fought in wars as the Barcid Conquest of Hispania, and the Roman-Seleucid War.
At the age of 26, Hannibal already had an army he was controlling an army. His army grew to 100, 000 troops and 40 war elephants. Generally, he had success in the Trebbia, Cannae, and Trasimene wars.
When he would not turn himself to the Roman years after he started participating in politics, he committed suicide in what is believed to be around 184 BC to 181 BC.
10. Behanzin Hossu Bowelle (1889)
Behanizin is also known as King Shark was born in Abomey in 1844. He is popular for ruling Dahomey (Present-day Benin Republic). When the colonialists arrived in his region, Bowelle fought with all he could to stop them from taking charge of his Kingdom.
In the 18th century, Bahanzin was considered the most powerful king in West Africa and an African warrior. Under his watch, his army rose to become 15,000 men and 5,000 women (Amazon). His resistance to the colonialist made him to be called one among African leaders to have loved his people dearly. He is the last king of Dahomey.
11. Mansa Kankan Musa (1312)
In his 25 years of rule, Musa was able to conquer more than 20 different cities and triple the size of his Kingdom, Mali.
Away from wars, Musa established himself as the wealthiest man to have ever lived with a net worth of $400 billion in today’s money. He further promoted learning, Islamic education and turned his Kingdom into a major trade centre in Africa.
12. Queen Amina (1576 AD)
Often regarded as the warrior Queen, Amina became a queen in Zazzau (present-day Zaria) between 1576 and 1610. Her reign would give rise to the expansion of Zazzau to Idah, Nupe, and even Kano. She was known as an African warrior who led men to many battles that mostly came out victorious in many. She ruled for 34 years.
13. Oba Ewuare
Upon the death of his father, he was exiled and his brother became Oba. Later, there was chaos among the brothers and when Ewuare ‘Prince Ogun’ returned to Benin, he started a fire that led to the crisis and the death of his brother (then Oba) and many others in the city.
Having fought to take charge of Benin and many other territories to enlarge his, Ewuaere has remained to be celebrated for many decades. He changed many laws of Benin and renamed the city ‘Edo’in honour of the man who traded his life for his. His most known powers were in his magic.
He started to rule in 1440 and before his death in 1473 he had already made the arts, festival, and cultures of the Benin people popular across many borders.
14. Cetschwa KaMpande (1873)
He is one of the African Warriors. He was a Zulu king from 1873 to 1879. He led the Zulus to a successful victory in the Anglo-Zulu war in 1879. His victory however did not last as the British retaliated and forced him into surrendering. This was followed by an exile to Cape Town and later London.
KaMpande died in 1884 as the last king of an independent Zulu Kingdom.
15. Ezana Of Axum
Axum, also known as Aksum (ancient Ethiopia) flourished under the rule of Ezana and became a major trade centre. During the reign of Ezana, he conquered Moroe and Kush around 350 BC. In addition, his reign brought a complete change for the people of Axum when he converted to Christianity and brought the faith to his Kingdom.
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Audie Leon Murphy (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was an American soldier, actor, songwriter, and rancher. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. ...
Audie Murphy
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United States
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United States Army United States Army National Guard United States Army Reserve
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The Zulus were not professional soldiers but they made up for this with their knowledge of the terrain and their determination to protect their native lands. A Zulu warrior would join this part-time militia between the ages of 19 and 40. The iconic Zulu weapons were a stabbing spear and a throwing spear.
The Zulu tribe represents the largest population of ethnic groups in South Africa; making up to 10-11 million people. They are known for their strong fighting spirit which has fashioned renowned warriors in history including the likes of Shaka Zulu who played a prominent role in various Zulu wars.
Audie Leon Murphy (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was an American soldier, actor, songwriter, and rancher. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. ...
Audie Murphy
Allegiance
United States
Service/branch
United States Army United States Army National Guard United States Army Reserve
He remained undefeated and took over every major kingdom of his day, such as Persia, India, and Egypt, among others, and he was the first king to spread Greek, and thus Western, civilization to other parts of the world.
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Alkebulan. According to experts that research the history of the African continent, the original ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. This name translates to “mother of mankind,” or according to other sources, “the garden of Eden.” Alkebulan is an extremely old word, and its origins are indigenous.
Fearing British aggression, Cetshwayo had started to purchase guns before the war. The Zulus now had thousands of old-fashioned muskets and a few modern rifles at their disposal. But their warriors were not properly trained in their use. Most Zulus entered battle armed only with shields and spears.
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What is this? The San tribe has been living in Southern Africa for at least 30,000 years and they are believed to be not only the oldest African tribe, but quite possibly the world's most ancient race. The San have the most diverse and distinct DNA than any other indigenous African group.
You write that Botswana has only one tribe. You are right in the sense that most people in Botswana speak Setswana and regard themselves broadly as Tswana.
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Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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