1. King Mansa Musa (c. 1312-1337)
Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire, is renowned for his extraordinary wealth and grand pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, which showcased his empire’s prosperity. His reign saw Mali flourish with abundant resources like gold and salt. His lavish spending on the pilgrimage famously devalued gold in Cairo for a decade. Mansa Musa also expanded his empire by capturing cities like Timbuktu and Gao, where he commissioned the building of mosques. His wealth, by today’s standards, is estimated at $400 billion. Mansa Musa died in 1332, leaving behind a legacy of wealth and cultural patronage.
2. Sunni Ali Ber (c. 1464-1492)
Sunni Ali Ber, also known as Ali the Great, was a formidable military leader and devout practitioner of traditional African religions. He transformed a small kingdom along the Niger River into the expansive Songhai Empire. Despite his religious practices, which Muslim scholars viewed as tyrannical, he created a prosperous trading empire. Sunni Ali conquered key cities like Timbuktu and Djenne, securing control over crucial trade routes. He died in 1492, with oral traditions suggesting he was poisoned by his commander, Muhammad Ture.
3. King Endubis (c. 270-300)
King Endubis of Axum, in present-day Ethiopia, was a powerful monarch who expanded Axum’s territory and significantly boosted its political power through conquest and trade. He increased wealth and prosperity by enhancing trade with other regions and was the first to mint his coins, creating a strong economy. Endubis also built numerous palaces, temples, and public works, contributing to Axum’s architectural and economic development. He died in 300 AD.
4. King Ezana of Axum (c. 320s – c. 360 AD)
King Ezana was the ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, located in present-day Tigray, Ethiopia. He is notable for being the first African monarch to convert to Christianity and make it the official religion of his kingdom, influenced by Frumentius, a former Syrian captive and Bishop of Aksum. Ezana’s reign saw the continuation of coin minting and the expansion of external trade, along with significant public works such as roads and irrigation systems. He played a crucial role in the development of the Ge’ez language and the cultural identity of Ethiopia.
5. Shaka Zulu (1816-1828 CE)
King Shaka Zulu, founder of Southern Africa’s Zulu Empire, was born in 1787. He transformed the Zulu from a small tribe into a powerful kingdom through strategic military conquests. Shaka introduced the assegai, a deadly long-bladed short spear, revolutionizing his army’s combat tactics. His reign saw significant expansion and prosperity, but after his mother’s death in 1827, he had a mental breakdown. He was eventually killed by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana in 1828.
6. Menelik II (1889-1913 CE)
King Menelik II of Ethiopia, born in 1844, maintained Ethiopia’s independence through strategic alliances and military prowess. His reign saw significant modernization, including compulsory education, telephones, and the telegraph. In 1896, Menelik’s forces defeated an Italian army at the Battle of Adwa, marking a significant victory against colonial invasion. Menelik died in 1913, leaving a legacy of modernization and resistance against colonization.
7. Oba Ewuare (1440-1473 CE)
Oba Ewuare I ruled the Benin Kingdom and transformed it into a powerful empire. He rebuilt Benin City after overthrowing his brother and promoted arts and culture, leading to the establishment of a successful arts industry. Ewuare introduced the Igue festival and encouraged the use of coral beads for decorations. His reign saw significant expansion and cultural development, making Benin one of the largest and best-known empires in West Africa.
8. Usman Dan Fodio (1754-1817 CE)
Usman Dan Fodio, born in 1754, was a Fulani mystic, philosopher, and revolutionary reformer. He led a jihad from 1804 to 1808, creating the Fulani Empire in present-day northern Nigeria. Dan Fodio stimulated the growth of Islam and founded the Sokoto Caliphate, producing influential writings in Arabic and Fula. He died in 1817, leaving a legacy of religious and political transformation.
9. Askia the Great (1493-1528 CE)
Askia the Great, emperor of the Songhai Empire, reigned from 1493 to 1528. He was a great military leader, expanding his empire and making Islam the state religion. Askia improved the economy and infrastructure, building mosques and schools and encouraging trade and science. His rule brought the Songhai Empire to its height, making it one of the most powerful empires in Africa.
10. Amenhotep III (1386-1353 BCE)
Amenhotep III, an Egyptian pharaoh, reigned from 1386 BCE to 1353 BCE. He initiated a massive building program, constructing many temples and monuments, including the Colossi of Memnon. Amenhotep formed peaceful foreign policies, expanding trade and diplomatic ties with Mitanni, Assyria, and Babylon. He married Tiye, who played a significant role in governing the empire. Amenhotep’s reign saw Egypt’s economy and infrastructure flourish, making it one of the most powerful ancient empires.
Sources
~ Wikipedia
~ Historydefined.net
~Britannica
~ Study.com