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