Name: Emperor Menelik II

Place: Ethiopia, Africa

Time: 1844 - 1913 A.D.

Emperor Menelik II developed Ethiopia into a securely structured, technologically advanced African state. So it comes as no surprise to hear that Emperor Menelik II and his African army successfully defended Ethiopia from Italian imperialists at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. After slaying the Italians on the battlefield, Menelik proudly declared the absolute independence of Ethiopia and continued on with the defense and technological advancement of this great African nation. 

Name: Queen Anne Zingha

Place: Angola, Africa

Time: 1588 -1663 A.D.

For approximately 50 years, Queen Anne Zingha ruled her Empire in Angola. She was well known for her astuteness, cunning, intelligence and fighting spirit, all of which she had to use to defend her country against the Portuguese. Queen Zingha fought with the Portuguese for much of her life to protect her borders and stunt the slave trade. She personally led her army in many battles, where she demanded her African soldiers as well as her enemies address her as King Ann Zingha, not Queen.

Name: King Cetewayo

Place: Zululand, South Africa

Time: ~1826 - 1884 A.D.

King Cetewayo, the nephew of the great warrior King Chaka Zulu, massacred English soldiers during several different wars to protect his people and land from their attempted invasions. This African King banned all foreign missionaries from Zululand as he realized their ultimate deceit. During a brief skirmish with France, Cetewayo killed France's royal successor, Prince Napoleon. England's Queen Victoria grew impressed with King Cetewayo's honor, valor and spirit and ultimately he visited England as her guest. He was showered with gifts by Englishmen who knew England's invasions of Africa were violations of the human spirit and was tentatively listened to during engagements all across their country.