“The real journey of discovery begins in old age” - Angolan proverb
(Queen Anna Nzinga)
Queen Anna Nzinga was born on an unknown date in 1583 in an unknown part of Angola. She was greatly favored by her father over her other sisters. As she was growing up the Atlantic slave trade was growing in Angola by the Portuguese.
(a drawing of Nzinga)
In 1622 Nzinga met with the Portuguese to make a treaty which the Portuguese never followed. In 1622 Nzinga converted to Christianity. In 1624 she became queen.
(A drawing of Nzinga)
In 1625 her forces were defeated by the Portuguese. In 1629 she strengthened her forces. In 1641 she made an alliance with the Dutch to fight the Portuguese. In 1644 she defeated the Portuguese. In 1646 her forces were defeated by the Portuguese. In 1647 with help from the Dutch she defeated the Portuguese again.
(A drawing of Nzinga)
In 1648 she had a translator to negotiate with the Portuguese. She also adapted a court system in Angola. Also in 1648 she ordered a cease fire between her forces and the Portuguese.
(A painting of Nzinga)
In 1657 she ordered a new peace treaty with the Portuguese. On December 17th, 1663 Queen Anna Nzinga died of natural causes in Matamba, Angola. She was about 80 years old.
(A statue of Nzinga)
Today is the 353rd anniversary of her death. Take time to remember this great queen today.
(P.S. sorry for the late post)
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