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Njinga of Angola: The Warrior Queen Who Defied European Colonizers

Greg Foster

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Njinga of Angola was a 17th-century warrior queen who fought against Portuguese colonization. She was a brilliant military strategist and a skilled diplomat. Njinga's life story is one of courage, determination, and resilience.

Njinga of Angola: Africa’s Warrior Queen

by Linda M. Heywood

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	311 pages

Early Life

Njinga was born in 1581 in the Ndongo kingdom, which is now part of Angola. Her father, King Kiluanji kia Ndambi, was a powerful ruler who resisted Portuguese attempts to colonize his kingdom. Njinga's mother, Queen Nzinga a Ndambi, was a skilled diplomat and a strong supporter of her husband.

Njinga was a intelligent and curious child. She learned to read and write at a young age and was fluent in several languages. She was also a skilled dancer and musician.

Njinga Of Angola, A 17th Century Warrior Queen Who Fought Against Portuguese Colonization Njinga Of Angola: Africa S Warrior Queen

Reign

Njinga became queen of Ndongo in 1624, after the death of her brother, King Ngola Mbandi. She was the first woman to rule the kingdom.

Njinga's reign was marked by constant warfare with the Portuguese. The Portuguese were determined to colonize Ndongo, and Njinga was determined to resist them.

Njinga was a skilled military strategist. She used guerrilla tactics to attack the Portuguese, and she was always one step ahead of them. She also formed alliances with other African kingdoms, and she used their support to fight the Portuguese.

Njinga Of Angola Leading Her Army Against The Portuguese Njinga Of Angola: Africa S Warrior Queen — Njinga of Angola leading her army against the Portuguese

Diplomacy

Njinga was also a skilled diplomat. She negotiated with the Portuguese for peace, and she even traveled to Europe to meet with the Pope.

Njinga's diplomacy was successful in delaying the Portuguese conquest of Ndongo. However, the Portuguese were eventually able to defeat her, and she was forced to flee into exile.

Njinga Of Angola Meeting With The Pope Njinga Of Angola: Africa S Warrior Queen

Death

Njinga died in 1663, at the age of 82. She was a legend in her own time, and her story continues to inspire people today.

Njinga of Angola was a courageous and determined woman who fought for her people's freedom. She was a brilliant military strategist and a skilled diplomat. She is an example of the power of one person to make a difference.

Legacy

Njinga of Angola is considered to be one of the greatest African leaders of all time. She is a symbol of resistance against colonialism, and her story continues to inspire people today.

Njinga's legacy is still alive in Angola today. She is a national hero, and her image appears on the country's currency.

Njinga of Angola: Africa’s Warrior Queen

by Linda M. Heywood

4.7 out of 5