When We Ruled

‘POETIC AND FIERCE’ - Olivette Otele, author of African Europeans

‘A RICH, SUMPTUOUS AND BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN TAPESTRY’ - Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie

‘A SEARING, NOURISHING JOURNEY THROUGH A HISTORY THE WORLD NEEDS’ - Bettany Hughes, author of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

‘PLEASE READ IT!’ - Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women

Discover the reigns of twelve African queens and warriors from across the continent, from pioneering historian and writer, Paula Akpan.

There are women who ruled vast swathes of the African continent. They led, loved and fought for their kingdoms and people and their impact can still be felt today. However, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have heard their names.

From pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich plains of Rwanda, from the hills of Madagascar to apartheid South Africa, historian Akpan writes the stories of these powerful queens and takes you on a spellbinding, enrapturing and immersive journey that is nothing short of revelatory.