Black History Month - Queen Amanirenas, The OG Iconic Queen

The Brief Epic: One-Eyed Nubian Queen's Triumph Over Romans, Cementing Her as a Historical Badass

As a proud Sudanese person with what I like to think is a warrior spirit, the first iconic Black figure I'm writing about is obviously Queen Amanirenas. I stumbled upon her story about a year ago, and let me tell you, I fell into a rabbit hole so deep it might as well have been a black hole. After weeks of obsession, I came to the conclusion that she is my greatest inspiration.

Queen Amanirenas was a powerful and influential ruler of the Kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan, during the first century BCE. Amanirenas is known for her military prowess, political acumen, and unwavering determination to protect her people from foreign invasion

.Amanirenas was the daughter of King Teriteqas, and upon his death, she became co-regent with her son, Akinidad. She was a member of the Meroitic royal family, which ruled the Kingdom of Kush for over a thousand years, and was deeply connected to the culture and traditions of her people.

During her reign, Amanirenas faced many challenges, the most significant of which was the invasion of her kingdom by the Roman Empire. In 24 BCE, the Roman governor of Egypt, Publius Petronius, led a campaign to conquer Kush and subjugate its people. However, Amanirenas was not one to back down from a fight.

Amanirenas led her army to the battlefield, and despite being outnumbered, her soldiers fought with fierce determination. Her warriors were highly skilled in archery and horseback riding, which gave them an advantage over the Roman infantry. Amanirenas herself lost one of her eyes in battle, but she refused to retreat and continued to lead her army to victory.

The Battle of Aswan was a turning point in the conflict, as Amanirenas and her army defeated the Roman forces and forced them to retreat back to Egypt. According to some accounts, Amanirenas sent a message to the Roman emperor Augustus, demanding peace and the return of Kushite prisoners of war. The Romans eventually agreed to her terms, and the Kingdom of Kush remained independent and free from Roman rule.

Amanirenas's victory over the Romans cemented her status as a legendary warrior queen and a symbol of resistance against foreign invaders. Her name became synonymous with strength, courage, and perseverance, and her story has been passed down through the centuries.

Along with her military accomplishments, Amanirenas was also a skilled diplomat and strategist. She maintained alliances with neighbouring kingdoms and negotiated treaties to protect the interests of her people. She was also known for her patronage of the arts, including the construction of temples and other public works.

Queen Amanirenas was an absolute boss. She fearlessly defended her people and kingdom from foreign invaders, leaving a legacy that has lasted over two millennia. Sadly and predictably, she's not as famous as she should be. I mean, when we say slay, her name should come straight to mind. She deserves to be celebrated alongside the greats. Here's hoping her story gets the recognition it deserves, and Queen Amanirenas becomes a household name for her legendary warrior status!