Queen Nzinga (1583-1663) of Ndongo who fought Europeans influence & liberated Angola.
Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (c.1583–1663) was a brilliant and resilient African leader from what is now Angola. Born a princess of the Mbundu people, her name “Nzinga” came from the Kimbundu word kujinga, meaning "to twist"—a reference to her birth. She rose to prominence in a time of Portuguese colonization and the transatlantic slave trade.
Initially an ambassador for her brother King Ngola Mbandi, Nzinga negotiated a peace treaty with the Portuguese in 1622. Famously, during a diplomatic meeting, she asserted her dignity by having an aide kneel to form a human throne when no seat was offered to her. Despite the treaty, the Portuguese broke their promises and continued their aggression.
After her brother’s death—possibly by suicide or foul play—Nzinga assumed the throne in 1624, though Mbundu tradition barred women from ruling. She converted to Catholicism and took the name Dona Ana de Sousa, using religion and diplomacy as tools to solidify her leadership.
Nzinga fiercely resisted Portuguese colonialism for over 40 years, forming alliances with the Jaga and Imbangala warriors, offering sanctuary to runaway slaves, and undermining Portuguese forces by infiltrating their ranks with loyal agents. She led a counterattack from her new base in Matamba, which she took over after being temporarily exiled.
Nzinga established Matamba as a military and trading power, allying with the Dutch to fight the Portuguese. Although her alliance failed to drive them out completely, she forced a treaty in 1657 that acknowledged her authority. She continued to resist until her death in 1663 at the age of 80.
Nzinga is remembered as one of Africa’s greatest anti-colonial and anti-slavery figures, known for her political acumen, military strategy, and unyielding leadership in defense of her people and land.
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