Africa’s pre-colonization history is made up of empires and Kingdoms, some of which have been considered part of the biggest civilizations in history. These civilizations were led by Kings and powerful Monarchs, who were known for their enormous power and wealth. However, thanks to modernization and lack of documentation many of these Kings have been forgotten. However in other to change these narratives we have compiled a list of the top 10 most powerful African kings in history.
These Kings were known for their lasting impact on their people, region, and even certain world events. They controlled vast territories and commanded large armies. They also had the resources to build impressive palaces and monuments. Historical accounts reveal, that some of the kings were responsible for establishing some of the continent’s cultural practices and even some of the present societal structures. While some expanded their kingdoms by conquering new lands. Others maintain their power by forming alliances with other powerful rulers. With that being said, Here are the 10 most powerful African kings in history.
1. Mansa Musa (1312–1337)
Mansa Musa is known as a result of his enormous wealth, He is believed by many to be the richest man in African history, as well as human history. However, what many don’t know about Mansa Musa is that he was also one of the most powerful African Kings in history. He was the ninth ruler of the ancient Mali Empire, one of the largest African empires in history.
Musa ascended to power in the early 1300s. Under his rule, the Mali Empire grew significantly, annexing 24 cities, including Timbuktu. The kingdom stretched for about 2,000 miles, from the Atlantic Ocean to modern-day Niger, taking in parts of what are now Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Ivory Coast.
Musa’s reign is commonly regarded as Mali’s golden age as the empire experienced enormous wealth and territorial expansion. AAccordingto the British Museum, During the reign of Mansa Musa, the Mali empire accounted for almost half of the Old World’s gold. Mansa Musa died in 1337, aged 57, the empire was inherited by his sons who could not hold the empire together.
2. Shaka Zulu (1787–1828)
Shaka Zulu was a prominent and influential monarch who ruled the Zulu Kingdom in Southern Africa during the early 19th century. He is no doubt one of the most African kings in history. He ascended to the throne in 1816 and is credited with transforming the Zulu tribe from a small and relatively insignificant group into a powerful and centralized kingdom.
Shaka introduced significant military innovations and reforms to the Zulu army, such as the use of shorter stabbing spears and a formation known as the “bull horn” formation, which was highly effective in battle. Under his leadership, the Zulu Kingdom became a formidable force in the region, expanding its territory through a series of military campaigns.
Shaka’s reign was marked by both military successes and internal strife. He implemented strict discipline and centralized control, but his rule was also characterized by violence and brutality. Shaka was eventually assassinated by his half-brothers in 1828, leading to a period of instability in the Zulu Kingdom.
3. Ramesses II (1292-1186 BCE)
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great was the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty (1292-1186 BCE). He is often considered the greatest, pharaoh of Ancient Egypt and no doubt one of the most powerful African kings in history. His name is inscribed on ruins throughout ancient Egypt, as he was responsible for some of the most impressive building projects in Egyptian history.
During his 67-year reign, he led his armies to victory in several battles, including the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. He helped establish Egypt as a mighty empire and himself as a great warrior. He is also regularly associated with the Pharoah from the Bible, but there is no evidence yet of that being the case.
He also initiated many building projects, such as the construction of the temple complex at Karnak and the Ramesseum, which were meant to glorify him and his reign. The vast tombs of Ramesseum at Thebes, Abu Simbel, and Karnak’s temples, and hundreds of other monuments and temples are a testament to his greatness. Many historians consider his reign the pinnacle of Egyptian art and culture.
4. Sundiata Keita (c. 1217–c. 1255)
Sundiata Keita, also known as Sundiata was the founder of the Mali Empire. He is celebrated for his role in uniting the Mandinka people, establishing a prosperous empire, and becoming one of the most powerful African kings in history. According to historical reports, Sundiata became a leader in his kingdom Kangaba, after the rulers of Ghana killed his brothers.
Sundiata’s rise to power is often associated with the Battle of Krina in 1235, where he and his allies defeated the Sosso king Sumanguru Kante. Following this victory, He consolidated his power and established the Mali Empire, which would become one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in West Africa.
Under Sundiata’s leadership, the Mali Empire flourished, and he is credited with promoting trade, agriculture, and the development of a strong administrative system. Sundiata Keita’s legacy is celebrated not only for his military and political achievements but also for his role in shaping the cultural and economic aspects of the Mali Empire.
5. Sunni Ali Ber (1464 to 1492 )
Sunni Ali Ber was a powerful ruler who played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of the Songhai Empire in West Africa during the 15th century. He was known for his military prowess and strategic leadership and is considered by many as one of the most powerful African Kings in history
Sunni Ali Ber became the first king (or Askia) of the Songhai Empire after overthrowing the reigning dynasty in the late 15th century. He expanded the Songhai Empire through a series of successful military campaigns, taking control of key trading cities, including Timbuktu and Djenne. Sunni Ali Ber ruled until he died in 1492 and was succeeded by his son, Sunni Baru.
One of Sunni Ali’s notable achievements was his consolidation of power and the organization of the empire’s administration. He established a well-structured administrative system, dividing the empire into provinces and appointing governors to oversee different regions. Despite being a Muslim, Sunni Ali Ber was known for incorporating elements of traditional African religions into his rule.
6. Askia Muhammad (1443–1538)
Askia Muhammad I also known as Muhammad Turewas a ruler of the Songhai Empire in West Africa, during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is remembered as one of the greatest emperors of the Songhai, expanding the empire and promoting economic and cultural development. He came to power after overthrowing his predecessor, Sunni Baru, in 1493.
Askia Muhammad expanded the Songhai Empire to the largest empire in West Africa’s history. He continued the military conquests initiated by Sunni Ali Ber, extending the empire’s boundaries and bringing more regions under Songhai control. His reign is often considered a period of stability, economic prosperity, and intellectual growth for the empire.
One of Askia Muhammad’s notable achievements was his commitment to strengthening the Islamic character of the Songhai Empire. He made a pilgrimage to Mecca, seeking recognition from the Caliph of the Islamic world. He also promoted scholarship, resulting in Timbuktu becoming a center for Islamic learning and attracting scholars from various parts of the Muslim world.
Askia Muhammad ruled until he died in 1528, However, after his death, the empire faced internal struggles and external pressures, ultimately leading to its decline in the late 16th century.
7. Idris Alooma (r. 1571–1602/03)
Idris Alooma was a ruler of the Kanem-Bornu Empire in West Africa during the 16th century. He ascended to the throne of Bornu in 1571 and was a dynamic and influential leader known for his military campaigns, administrative reforms, and patronage of Islamic scholarship. His policies and military successes solidified Bornu’s position as a major power in West Africa during the 16th century.
During his reign, Idris Alaoma sought to expand the territories of the Bornu Empire through military conquests. His military campaigns were largely successful, and he extended Bornu’s influence over neighboring regions, including parts of Hausaland. Idris Alaoma is often remembered for his strategic military leadership and his ability to integrate diverse territories into the Bornu Empire.
In addition to his military achievements, Idris Alaoma was also known for his efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions and promote scholarship. He supported the spread of Islam in the region and sought to integrate Islamic law into the administrative and legal systems of the Bornu Empire. Alaoma’s reign marked a period of prosperity and stability for the Bornu Empire.
8. Menelik II (1844–1913)
Menelik II was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until he died in 1913. He played a crucial role in the modernization and consolidation of Ethiopia as a sovereign nation and is considered one of the most powerful African kings in history. His reign is generally considered a period of relative stability and progress for Ethiopia.
Menelik II ascended to the throne of Shewa in 1865 and later became Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889 following the death of Emperor Yohannes IV. He is often remembered for leading Ethiopia to victory against Italian forces in the First Italo-Ethiopian War at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory made Ethiopia the only African nation to successfully resist European colonization.
Menelik II is often credited with several reforms and modernization efforts in Ethiopia. He implemented administrative reforms, expanded the military, and undertook infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway. He also modernized the military by acquiring modern weaponry and establishing a professional standing army. During his rule, Menelik II sought to balance modernization with the preservation of Ethiopian culture and independence.
9. Behanzin Bowelle (1845 – 1906)
Behanzin Bowelle is the eleventh King of the Dahomey Kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms in Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. He is considered one of the most powerful African kings in history, as he commanded one of the continent’s ‘largest and most powerful armies at the time which had 150000 males and 5000 women.
Behanzin Bowelle succeeded his father, Glele, and ruled from 1889 to 1894. He was Abomey’s last independent ruler established through traditional power structures. Under his leadership, Dahomey had significant international trade with various European nations. As well as a strong economy, and a highly functional political system.
Behanzin Bowelle led the national resistance during the Dahomey War against the French Invasion. He however lost the war at the Battle of Adegon in 1894 as the French had better weapons. The French then took control of the kingdom. The King Shark was then exiled to the Caribbean island of Martinique. He spent the remainder of his life on the island but died in 1906. ‘
10. Osei Kofi Tutu I(c. 1660–1717)
Osei Kofi Tutu I was a powerful and influential ruler in the late 17th century who played a key role in the formation of the Ashanti Empire in West Africa. He is considered one of the most powerful African Kings in history often credited as the founder and first ruler of the Ashanti Empire, which emerged in the region that is now modern-day Ghana.
Osei Tutu’s leadership was crucial in uniting the Ashanti people and consolidating various Akan states under a centralized authority. He achieved this through military conquests, strategic alliances, and the establishment of a highly organized political and administrative system. Osei Tutu’s reign laid the foundation for the Ashanti Empire’s prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries.
His legacy is remembered not only for his military and political achievements but also for his role in establishing the Golden Stool as a symbol of unity and the spiritual embodiment of the Ashanti nation.
11. Ewuare the Great (c. 1440–1473)
Ewuare the Great, also known as Ewuare I, was a powerful and influential Oba (king) of the Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria. He ruled from approximately 1440 to 1473. Ewuare is one of the most celebrated monarchs in the history of the Benin Kingdom, and his reign is often considered a significant era in the kingdom’s history.
Ewuare is credited with transforming the political, economic, and social structure of the Benin Kingdom. He implemented administrative reforms, strengthened the central authority of the monarchy, and established a legal code that contributed to the kingdom’s stability and prosperity. Ewuare is also known for expanding the kingdom’s territory through military campaigns.
The Kingdom of Benin reached its zenith during Ewuare’s reign, and his contributions to governance and the arts continue to be recognized and celebrated in the cultural history of the region.
12. Ezana Axum
Ezana was an ancient ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, an ancient civilization located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea. He is particularly known for converting the Kingdom of Aksum to Christianity in the 4th century, making it one of the earliest states in the world to officially adopt Christianity as the state religion.
Ezana’s reign is estimated to have begun around the early 4th century, and he is considered one of the most prominent rulers of the Aksumite Empire. The conversion to Christianity is often attributed to his reign, and it is recorded on the Ezana Stone, a monument inscribed in Ge’ez, the ancient Ethiopian language.
Besides his role in the spread of Christianity, Ezana is also known for his military conquests and expansion of the Aksumite Kingdom. He extended the borders of his kingdom, incorporating parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Sudan, and possibly parts of southern Egypt. The Kingdom of Aksum reached its peak under Ezana’s rule, both in terms of political power and economic prosperity.
