Women Kings: The Rise of Kandakas in Kushitic Dynasties

The Kushite Empire, the Kingdom of Kush or simply Kush, was a powerful civilization around the Nile Valley over 4000 years ago (2600-1500 BCE) in modern-day Sudan. It is not only one of the oldest civilizations in Africa but in the world as well. As Pharaonic civilizations are one of the most significant global civilizations, Kushite history is arguably the most crucial and influential part of African history alongside Ancient Egypt. The Kushites were not only contemporaneous with Ancient Egypt, but they also ruled Egypt for a time during the 25th Dynasty, often referred to as the "Kushite Dynasty." Kush was a civilization that excelled in trade, warfare, architecture, agriculture, and linguistics.

Although modern societies pride themselves in achieving liberty, equality, and progression, they tend to believe that they are pioneers in gender equality and women’s rights, which is, indeed, an extremely biased belief. By modern standards, Kush is exceptionally progressive and tolerant. At the height of the Kushite Empire, women actively engaged in politics, occupied positions of power, and were key figures in government administration. It was certainly not a ‘once in a blue moon’s occurrence that a woman ascended the Kushite throne. Kushite women have continuously dominated many political spheres, including diplomacy, scholarship, and military strategy. These powerful women were called “Kandakas”, equivalent to the pharaonic word for a king - “Pharaoh.” It is an honorific title specifically created to show respect and honor women of nobility, power, and queenship.   

Kandake Inspired Kushite Diplomacy:

*It is important to note that, unlike ancient civilizations who favored military subjugation, bloody oppression, and brutal battles, Nubia is famous for embodying and epitomizing the principles of diplomacy and always striving to maintain peace. This can be credited to Kush’s leadership. They preferred commercial exchanges and economic benefits to military campaigns and battles. Kandakas are mentioned in the famous historical accounts of Herodotus for sending emissaries to secure international exchanges, alliances, and relations in Persia, which is also evidenced by the encryption of Nubian delegates on the walls of Persepolis Apadana, Iran, a smart move given the tension between them and the Romans. In addition, biblical accounts mention Kandakas, in the New Testament, a treasury official of "Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,’ (it should be kept in mind that any region south of Egypt was called Ethiopia, which does not particularly mean modern-day Ethiopia), is said to be returning from a trip to Jerusalem. Moreover, it is important to note that the name “Candace” was a misinterpretation of the title Kandaka as a name. Nonetheless, the verses tell of this account with Philip the Evangelist: “And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure.” Thus, serving as a testimony to the wealth, authority, and reach these ancient queens had, and their involvement in global politics. 

Kandaka Shandakhete: The First Queen of Kush 

According to our records, Shandakhete or Shandakheto was the first woman to ascend the Kushite throne around the 2nd century BCE when the polity was concentrated in Meroe (a region in modern-day Sudan). She ruled with an iron fist without a pharaoh and had complete power over the ‘Meroitic Empire.’ Not only is she regarded as one of the earliest ruling African queens but also as one of the earliest female rulers in the world. Under her reign, Kush engaged in military campaigns and expanded its influence. Her role in the Meroitic religion is also significant, as she is credited for various scattered, gorgeous ancient temples and pyramids that adorn the deserts of Nubia. Moreover, the first written language in sub-Saharan Africa developed during her reign. Meroitic script is now one of the top ten oldest writing scripts in the world and one which we have yet to decipher.

Kandaka Amanirenas: The One-Eyed Warrior Queen 

Kandaka Amanirenas is one of the most notable and famous Nubian queens due to the unique descriptions we have of her character, build and famous one eye, as well as her role as a general and commander. She was known for being incredibly valiant and courageous even during the heat of battle.  She was the absolute ruler of her empire, commander of her army, and vanquisher of her enemies. She maintained Kushitic sovereignty during the brief war that was fought against the Roman invaders who were flooding Egypt, defeating them in several consecutive battles. She also captured the bronze head of Roman emperor Augustus’ statue and buried it under the ground of the temple's front step so that worshipers would step on it when they set foot on the temple grounds. After pushing back the Roman legions, she continued multiple offensives, capturing the southern part of Egypt, including modern-day Aswan. She also simultaneously negotiated a diplomatic peace treaty in her empire’s favor.  

Kandaka Amenirdis: The Chief Priestess and God Wife of Amun  

After Kushite Pharaoh Piye (Piankhi) rose to power, he dominated Egypt and ruled it as an extension of the Kushite Empire. Pharaoh Piankhi did not dominate Egypt purely for power or riches, as you might presume; in fact, some sources say that he did not permanently remain in Egypt after he conquered it. Currently, though, most sources agree that Pharaoh Piankhi was an avid horse enthusiast who greatly favoured his horses and treated them with utmost care; therefore, when he heard of the terrible conditions of the Egyptian stables and their cruel treatment of horses, he was enraged and set out to put the entire domain of Egypt under his reign. Although Piankhi primarily focused on his responsibilities in Kushitik Egypt, he still returned to Nubia on multiple occasions placing his sister, Kandaka Amenirdis, as the chief overseer and priestess, acquiring the title of ‘God wife’ of the Egyptian god Amun - a significant position given that the office of ‘God Wives’ was a power centre and controlled vast economic resources belonging to the temple of Amun at Thebes, Egypt. ‘God wives’ in Nubia enjoyed many royal privileges such as lavish coronation ceremonies, estates, property, staff members and aids to carry out their commands. God wives were believed to be mediators between the gods and the king, meaning that their say mattered in many important political decisions and royal successions. Kandaka Amenirdis established her influence in the temple of Thebes and her power in the capital, Memphis, enjoying honour, glory and authority.  

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image: Ashraf Shazly-getty images.