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When We Ruled

The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors

By: Paula Akpan

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Paperback | 14 October 2025 | Edition Number 1

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'A searing, nourishing journey through a history the world needs' - Bettany Hughes, bestselling author of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

'This sweeping history restores women to the centre of African political power...both accessible and rigorous' The Observer

'Please read it!' - Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women

'Poetic and fierce' - Olivette Otele, author of African Europeans

'An exciting and rich work for anyone who is curious about African history' - Paterson Joseph, author of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho

'Beautiful and thought-provoking' - Stylist

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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 traces the lives of these powerful queens and takes you on a spellbinding, enrapturing and immersive journey that is nothing short of revelatory.

Beautifully researched and filled with fascinating stories of royalty, ancient civilisations, conquest and colonisation, When We Ruled is a gripping new history where women take centre stage.

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'A rich, sumptuous and beautifully written tapestry' - Candice Carty-Williams, bestselling author of Queenie

'A treasure trove' - Bolu Babalola, bestselling author of Love in Colour and Honey & Spice

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