When We Ruled

The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors

Paula Akpan

Discover the reigns of twelve African queens and warriors from across the continent in this immersive and pioneering history.

Njinga Mbande. Nana Yaa Asantewaa. Makobo Modjadji VI. Ranavalona the First.

These queens and warriors ruled vast swathes of the African continent, where they led, loved, and fought for their kingdoms and people. Their impact can still be felt today, and yet, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have ever heard their names.

In When We Ruled, historian Paula Akpan takes us into the worlds of these powerful figures, following their stories and how they came to rule and influence the futures of their people. Through deep research and discovery, Akpan will uncover new truths and grapple with uncomfortable realities, allowing us to be immersed in countless moments of bravery, intrigue, and, for some, the unraveling of their rule.

With reigns spanning from pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich lands of Rwanda, and from Ancient Egypt to apartheid South Africa, these rulers shed new light on gender politics in these regions, showing how women were celebrated and revered before colonizing powers took hold, and continued to be long after.

In this game-changing narrative of twelve lives, Akpan takes us on a spellbinding, enrapturing, and immersive history that is nothing short of revelatory.

Paula Akpan is a Black British historian and writer who gained a distinction in her fully funded MA in Black British History and who has credits in Vogue, Teen Vogue, The Independent, Stylist, VICE, i-D, Bustle, Time Out London and more. She is a published essayist, having written an essay on Black women and community in the anthology Loud Black Girls and another on Black British lesbians in The Queer Bible.

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Endorsements & Reviews

“An extraordinary book. This tells more than a hidden history of Africa, this tells of women as they were, as we are and as we can be. Please read it!” Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl

“The tapestry of stories Akpan weaves throughout this book are rich. Complicated and pulsing with the voices of historians, storytellers, archivists and memory-holders she has communed with during her time on the continent, When We Ruled has love and care poured into every single page.” Dr. Jade Bentil, Black feminist historian and author of Rebel Citizen

“An empowering and insightful seminal work of historical significance. As a member of the Yorùbá myself, this was a powerful reminder to remember who I am and the stock of courage, power, and resilience I come from. Akpan has written a groundbreakingly brilliant book to fill a significant gap in African history and I am grateful for it!” Lola Akinmade, bestselling author of In Every Mirror She’s Black and the NAACP-nominated Everything is Not Enough

"This book is vital and brilliant. A searing, nourishing journey through a history the world needs." Bettany Hughes, acclaimed historian and author of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

"A rich, sumptuous and beautifully written tapestry of the past that makes my heart soar and ache all at once; this is the history we should have learned in schools. I can't imagine the person I'd be today if I'd known that this is where we came from." Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie

"Poetic and fierce, this volume is a compelling modern-day journey into past histories of impressive African queens and leaders." Olivette Otele, author of African Europeans