Queen Amina of Zazzau – Guide and Strategy

Intro

Queen Amina of Zazzau stands as a striking example of both fearless conqueror and shrewd
administrator in Civilization VII. Her legend dates to the 1500s in the
Hausa kingdom of Zazzau (modern-day northern Nigeria), where she led decades-long
military campaigns and forged strategic alliances through trade. In many historical
accounts, she’s depicted as a commander who took a lover in every newly conquered city—
only to eliminate him the next morning. Whether that tale is truth or legend,
the memory of her conquests endures, and in-game she offers a dynamic, expansion-centric
playstyle that appeals to novices and veteran empire-builders alike.

Strategy

Amina’s empire-building approach emphasizes resource management and
deft military maneuvering, especially across Plains and Desert tiles.
If you enjoy forging a sprawling kingdom and leveraging unconventional terrain to your
advantage, Amina’s strengths make her a formidable choice.

1. Capitalizing on the Desert and Plains
   • Increased Combat Strength: Units fighting on these tile types gain a combat
     boost, which is ideal for players who like to establish frontier defenses or mount
     rapid offensives.
   • Secure Early Resources: Because Amina’s unique ability provides extra
     Resource Capacity and additional Gold per Age for
     assigned resources, you’ll want to prioritize settling areas rich in Desert or
     Plains-based yields.
2. Building Fortifications
   • Historically, Amina was known for fortifying her cities with sturdy walls. In-game,

     focusing on early city defenses can deter enemies and encourage a slow, methodical
     expansion. You can combine well-placed Forts or Encampments to further amplify this
     defensive edge.

3. Trade Routes and Diplomacy
   • Saharan Trade Theme: True to Amina’s historical background, you’ll want
     to leverage trade networks linking far-flung cities. Even if you’re pursuing
     conquest, nurturing alliances can provide a healthy influx of Gold and potentially
     secure you valuable resources.
   • Managing Rival Deserts: Amina’s agenda—
     Desert of the Warrior Queen—cares deeply about how other leaders
     settle on Plains or Desert tiles. If your neighbors sprawl across these terrains,
     expect a dip in diplomatic relations.

Lines

Amina’s voice lines in Civilization VII capture her fierce,
larger-than-life personality:

• Quote: “Re-sharpen your weapons, saddle your horses, and make your
  peace with the divine. Today, we conquer.”
• Greeting: “I am Amina, Sarauniya and taker of whatever—and whomever—
  pleases me.”
• Declares War: “As we devour your cities with war, we will open the
  gates and let the hyenas break your bones.”
• Attacked: “Our blades are sharp. Your necks are soft.”
• Defeat: “From obscurity I rose, and to it I must return. From the
  desert, I will watch you.”
• Player Accepts Deal: “The sands shift.”
• Rejects Player’s Deal: “I say no to you.”

These sharp, no-nonsense lines reflect her historic reputation for fearlessness—every
word exudes the resolve of a ruler who once united vast territories under her banner.

Civilopedia Entry

Amina’s story takes root in the shifting powers of West Africa during the 16th century.
As trade routes traversed the Sahara, Hausa city-states rose and fell
based on access to commerce, religion, and strategic alliances. Zazzau emerged as a
significant player thanks to its position near these trade passages, and Amina, daughter
to the city’s king, eventually ascended the throne.

During her reign, Amina led campaigns that brought neighboring city-states under Zazzau’s
rule, often culminating in the construction of fortified walls—a tactic that built
internal stability and enhanced external defenses. The arrival of European oceangoing
ships in the 1500s introduced new maritime trade, but Amina’s armies maintained the flow
of goods across land-based routes in the Sahel. Over time, her empire’s growing might
altered the regional power balance, forging bonds and rivalries that shaped the Hausa
sphere well after her death.

Beyond her conquests, Amina’s life story illustrates the syncretic form
of Islam in the region, blending local traditions with more orthodox practices. Later
reform movements sometimes viewed female leadership as incompatible with strict religious
norms, which may have eclipsed her official status for centuries. Yet in modern Nigeria,
she is celebrated as a national hero—a symbol of resilience, ambition, and independence.

Unique Ability: Warrior-Queen of Zazzau

Amina’s Warrior-Queen of Zazzau trait elevates her empire’s economic
and militaristic clout:

• Increased Resource Capacity in Cities: You can stockpile more resources than
  other civilizations, letting you build or trade surplus goods with greater flexibility.
• Increased Gold per Age for Each Resource: As the eras progress, each resource
  allocated to a city’s stockpile yields extra Gold, fueling expansion and strengthening
  your war chest.
• Increased Combat Strength on Plains and Desert Tiles: This bonus can turn
  even overlooked terrain into your personal stronghold. Use it to stand firm against
  invaders or to dominate neighbors in early wars.

Agendas

Amina’s primary agenda, Desert of the Warrior Queen, shapes her
interactions with other civilizations:

• Dislikes Civs on “Her” Terrain: If she sees rivals establishing cities on
  Plains or Desert tiles more extensively than her, she grows agitated, potentially
  souring diplomatic ties.
• Appreciates Civs Who Avoid the Desert: Those who steer clear of her favored
  terrain may receive a small boost to relations.

This duality provides a clear path for both offense and defense when confronting or
aligning with Amina.

Trivia

• Legendary Lover Myth: Oral traditions claim Amina took lovers in
  each conquered city, ensuring she remained beholden to no one. Whether literal or
  symbolic, it highlights her uncompromising approach to power.
• Fortification Legacy: Many Hausa cities still have remnants of
  defensive walls attributed to Amina’s expansive campaigns.
• Early Leadership Confirmations: Amina was among the first leaders
  confirmed for Civilization VII, appearing alongside other historical
  figures such as Hatshepsut, Augustus, and Ashoka.

TL;DR

Whether you’re guiding your first city-state or plotting globe-spanning domination, Queen
Amina’s balanced fusion of military prowess and trade
advantages offers an engaging path to glory in Civilization VII.
By mastering her unique strengths on Plains and Desert tiles, you’ll carve out a fearsome
empire—one whose legacy might well echo the unstoppable legend of Amina herself.

See Also

• !!! Work in progress !!!
• Other Leaders focused on Desert-based advantages.
• Trade Empires that spotlight commerce routes across challenging terrains.

External Links

!!! Work in progress !!!