The Kandakes are the African Warrior Queens of the Ancient Egyptian Nile Valley Civilization of Kemet who ruled the Kingdom of Kush starting with Queen Amanirenas in the 1st Century BCE.
The first Kandake was Amanirenas, who ruled Kush from around the 1st century BCE.
Queen Amanirenas Kandake is best known for leading her army against the Romans in a series of battles known as the First War of the Kandakes.
According to the accounts of the Roman historian Strabo, Amanirenas led her army against the Romans in response to their annexation of Kushite territory. She is said to have lost an eye in the fighting, but she continued to lead her army and achieved several victories against the Romans.
Amanirenas is remembered as a strong and capable leader who successfully defended her kingdom against the Roman Empire. Her legacy has been passed down through the oral traditions of the Kushite people and she is revered as a symbol of resistance and independence.
Amanirenas was succeeded by the next Kandake female Ruler of Kush, her daughter Amanishakheto who ruled from around 10 BCE to 1 AD.
Amanishakheto was also a skilled Kandake and she expanded Kush’s territory by conquering lands to the South.
In addition, Amanishakheto also defeated a Roman Army sent by the Roman Emperor Augustus after he had breached the Peace Treaty the Romans had concluded with Queen Amanirenas earlier.
Besides her Military prowess, Kandake Amanishakheto was also a great Pyramid builder and her tomb at Meroë was one of the largest ever built.
Queen Amanishakheto Kandake is also known for the Temple and Pyramid Complex she built at Wad Ban Naqa.
Amanishakheto Kandake’s Palace is one of the largest treasures identified at Wad ban Naqa.
Inside Amanishakheto’s grave, the Italian treasure hunter Ferlini discovered an amazing quantity of golden artifacts such as armlets, necklaces now on display at the Egyptian Museum of Berlin, and at the Egyptian Museum of Munich.
Kandake Shanakdakhe of Kush is an important Kandake who ruled after the reign of Amanishakheto.
Kandake Shanakdakhe continued her predecessors’ tradition of military expansion, adding even more territory to Kush.
Shanakdakhe Kandake is thought to have been born in the early 1st century CE, and she ascended to the throne around 70 CE, ruling for about two decades, until she was overthrown by her nephew, Natakamani, in 90 CE.
Queen Shanakdakhe Kandake presided over a prosperous and wealthy Nubian Kingdom.
Under her rule, Kush flourished economically and culturally. She oversaw the construction of many monumental buildings and public works projects, including temples, palaces, and irrigation systems. Queen Shanakdakhe Kandake was also a fierce military leader who led her armies to victory against Rome in several battles.
Despite her many accomplishments, Queen Shanakdakhe Kandake’s reign came to an end when she was overthrown by her nephew, Natakamani. Natakamani had Shanakdakhe Kandake killed, and he took control of the kingdom.
Last but not least is Queen Amanitore of Kush who was another important Kandake.
Queen Amanitore Kandake was born into the ruling class of the ancient kingdom of Kush, in what is now Sudan. She inherited her position from her father, King Kashta. She came to power during a time of great turmoil in the kingdom, when Kush was under attack by Roman forces.
Amanitore was a skilled military leader and strategist, and she quickly proved her worth by leading her troops to victory against the Romans. She expanded the kingdom’s territory and increased its wealth and power. She also established diplomatic relations with other kingdoms and empires, including Egypt and Rome.
Under Amanitore’s rule, Kush flourished. It became one of the most powerful kingdoms in Africa and a major cultural and economic center. The queen herself became an iconic figure, revered by her people for her wisdom, strength, and accomplishments.
What impact did the Kandake female rulers have on Nubian Kush?
The Kandakes had a profound impact on the course of Nubian history by ensuring that Nubia maintained its independence from Roman rule.
Furthermore, by defeating the Romans, the Kandake’s of the Ancient Egyptian Nile Valley Civilization of Kemet also influenced world History by limiting Roman influence in Africa to Roman North Africa.
In addition to their Military victories, the Nubian Kandake African Warrior Queens who ruled the Kingdom of Kush also oversaw the construction of many monumental buildings, including temples and pyramids.
For this reason, the reign of the Kandakes is considered a golden age for Nubian civilization.
