In the heart of West Africa, the Dahomey Amazons, or the Mino, echoed through the 17th to 19th centuries.

In the heart of West Africa, the Dahomey Amazons, or the Mino, echoed through the 17th to 19th centuries. These formidable women hailed from the Kingdom of Dahomey, now known as modern-day Benin. Initially hunters, their skills and bravery sculpted them into an elite military force, feared and respected across lands.

Each warrior, often recruited as young as eight from varied backgrounds—some seeking refuge from poverty or harsh marriages—embraced a life of discipline and sacrifice. They vowed celibacy, focusing solely on their roles as protectors and defenders of their kingdom. Their training was fierce; survival expeditions and mastering combat techniques were just the beginning. Living by the motto “Conquer or Die,” these women were not just part of the army—they were a pivotal force in Dahomey’s military prowess, often influencing major decisions in the kingdom’s Grand Council.

Armed with more than just Winchester rifles, clubs, and knives, the Mino carried the spirit of empowerment with every battle they fought. At their peak, they numbered up to 6,000, a significant fraction of the kingdom’s forces. Although the kingdom eventually succumbed to French colonization in the late 19th century, leading to the disbandment of the Mino, the legacy of these fierce women warriors—symbols of courage and empowerment—continues to inspire.

DahomeyAmazons #WomenWarriors

~Forgotten Stories