As a student of history I know for a fact kings and queens started in Africa. Ancient Egypt, also known as Kemet, was ruled by a succession of powerful kings known as pharaohs. These rulers were considered to be both political leaders and gods on earth, and their reigns were characterized by military conquests, monumental building projects, and the development of a complex civilization. Europe and Asia also had kings and queens see which ones made this list.
- The earliest known pharaohs belonged to the predynastic period, around 3100 BCE, where the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single ruler took place. Narmer is considered the first pharaoh and the founder of the first dynasty. During this time, the pharaohs were primarily concerned with consolidating their power and building a centralized government. They also began to construct monumental structures such as the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which was built for the pharaoh Djoser.
- The Old Kingdom, which lasted from around 2686-2181 BCE, is considered the golden age of ancient Egypt. The pharaohs of this period, such as Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are famous for their monumental building projects, including the Great Pyramids of Giza. These pharaohs also developed a complex system of government, with a powerful bureaucracy to administer the country.
- The Middle Kingdom, which lasted from around 2055-1650 BCE, saw a resurgence of power after a period of decline. The pharaohs of this period, such as Senusret I and Amenemhat III, were known for their military conquests and for their efforts to strengthen the central government. They also made significant contributions to the arts and literature, and were patrons of the famous Story of Sinuhe.
- The New Kingdom, which lasted from around 1550-1070 BCE, is known for its powerful pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, who was the first female pharaoh in recorded history, and Akhenaten, who introduced a revolutionary monotheistic religion to Egypt. The pharaohs of this period were also known for their monumental building projects, including the construction of the temples of Amun at Karnak and the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
- The last dynasty of ancient Egypt, the Ptolemaic dynasty, was ruled by Greek descendants of Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt, and her death marked the end of ancient Egypt as an independent civilization and the beginning of Roman rule.
- Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) - Alexander was the king of Macedon and one of the greatest military leaders of all time. He conquered most of the known world, creating a vast empire that stretched from Greece to India. He is known for his brilliant tactics and his ability to inspire his troops. He also supported the spread of Greek culture, which had a lasting impact on the regions he conquered.
- Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE) - Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He is known for his military conquests, his political reforms, and his writings, which provide a valuable historical record of his time.
- Charlemagne (742-814 CE) - Charlemagne was the king of the Franks and the first ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He is known for his military conquests and his efforts to unify Europe, which laid the foundation for the modern nation-state. He also promoted the spread of Christianity and supported the development of education and the arts.
- Genghis Khan (1162-1227 CE) - Genghis Khan was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history. He is known for his military tactics and his ability to conquer and rule over a vast territory. He also promoted religious tolerance and the development of trade and commerce.
- King Mansa Musa, also known as Musa Keita I, was the ruler of the Mali Empire in West Africa during the 14th century. He is best known for his immense wealth and his famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. His kingdom was rich in gold, salt and other resources, and he controlled the trans-Saharan trade routes, which made Mali one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in Africa at the time.
- King Louis XIV (1638-1715 CE) - Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," was the king of France from 1643 to 1715. He is known for his political and military achievements, as well as his patronage of the arts and the establishment of the Palace of Versailles, one of the most famous royal residences in the world. He also centralised the government, expanded the territory of France and had a strong absolutist rule.
- Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603 CE) - Elizabeth I was the queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death. She is known for her strong leadership and her ability to maintain stability during a time of great political and religious turmoil. She also supported the arts and the development of the English navy, which helped to establish England as a major naval power.
- King Shaka Zulu was a leader of the Zulu people in South Africa during the early 19th century. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of southern Africa, known for his military innovations, expansion of the Zulu kingdom, and his impact on the region's culture and politics.
Shaka was born in the late 18th century, the son of a minor Zulu chief. As a young man, he was exiled from his tribe and spent several years living with other groups before returning to the Zulus. Once back, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a leader of the tribe and then king.
These are just a few examples of the many great kings in history. Each one of them had different characteristics and achievements, but all of them have left a lasting impact on the world. Their stories and accomplishments continue to be studied and celebrated, and their legacy continues to shape the world we live in today.
Hope this help you !