‘A searing, nourishing journey through a history the world needs’ – Bettany Hughes, bestselling author ofThe 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 ofNormal Women’Poetic and fierce’ – Olivette Otele, author ofAfrican Europeans’An exciting and rich work for anyone who is curious about African history’ – Paterson Joseph, author ofThe 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 Ruledis a gripping new history where women take centre stage._____________________________________________________’A rich, sumptuous and beautifully written tapestry’ – Candice Carty-Williams, bestselling author ofQueenie’A treasure trove’ – Bolu Babalola, bestselling author ofLove in ColourandHoney & Spice