The Women Kings
They were called the Dahomey Amazons by outsiders, but to themselves, they were Mino—“our mothers”. These women made up the most formidable fighting force in West Africa with their trademark spears and incomparable discipline. Discover the legendary Agojie as we journey through these photos.
The Birth Of A Warrior Legacy
The Agojie began in the 17th century, put together by King Houegbadja of Dahomeu. These women originally hunted elephants before they were trained for something even more serious, protecting their land and people.
Queen Hangbe’s Silent Reign
According to some versions of their history, Queen Hangbe (King Agaja’s sister) ruled Dahomey briefly and was responsible for mobilizing the all female royal guard. Some historical accounts leave her out, but she remains a staple of oral traditions.
Yemi festus, Wikimedia Commons
Warriors Born From Necessity
The all female regiment was needed. Due to fighting and slave raids, the men of their tribe were severely depleted. As such, the women were used to beef up their protection, ultimately becoming of one of history’s most powerful female regiments.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
A Name Inspired By Myth
European observers, awestruck by their ferocity, dubbed them “Amazons” after the warrior women of Greek mythology. But among themselves, they were known as Mino, meaning “Our Mothers.”
Hunters Turned Fighters
Before they wielded rifles, the earliest Mino—called gbeto—were elephant hunters. Their courage, precision, and familiarity with danger made them ideal candidates for combat.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Sacred Oaths And Royal Bonds
Upon joining, the women swore off marriage and motherhood, dedicating themselves solely to the king and the kingdom. They were considered the king’s wives in title, but warriors in truth.
Élisée Reclus, Wikimedia Commons
From Childhood To Commander
Some girls joined the Mino at a young age (as young as eight, by many recounts). Their training lasted several years, ultimately creating fighters who were as elite as they were fearless.
Dalziel, Archibald (1793) The History of Dahomey, Wikimedia Commons
Training That Forged Titans
Their training included intense activities. One of their practices included running through thorn bushes to harden themselves against pain. They also engaged in mock battles with real prisoners.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Power Beyond The Battlefield
Their elite status extended far beyond the battlefield. In Dahomey society, the women commanded great respect. They were influential in leadership and honored with wealth. They lived lives most other women in the kingdom never could.
![Amazons of Dahomey in Battle; The Kingdom of Dahomey', 1875. From 'Illustrated Travels' by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, circa 1880, London] and Galpin. Creator: Unknown.](https://www.factinate.com/storage/app/media/splashtravels/2025/8/26/Untitled%20design%20-%202025-08-26T122718.104.jpg)
Symbols Of Valor
Mino who had been fighting for years marked themselves with white stripes on their legs. These markings set them apart from the others, identifying them as advanced leaders in their group.
Nanisca Fights Warlord in the Square | The Woman King, Scene City
A Force Of Specialization
The Mino divided themselves into specialized units depending on their strengths. Some fought as riflewomen, while others were huntresses, reapers, or archers. They each had their own uniforms and tactics.
The Ruthless Reapers
The reapers were notable for their specialization in close combat. They carried curved blades, and led the army with ruthless ambition. They were well known for striking fast, hard, and without mercy.
Nanisca Fights Warlord in the Square | The Woman King, Scene City
A Chant That Defied Gender
The Mino used chants to hype themselves for battle. One of their chants declared “We are no longer women, we are men”. The women weren’t rejecting their femininity, but emphasizing their commitment to being warriors.
Spears That Shaped A Kingdom
While more advanced weaponry became common, spears remained symbolic of the Mino’s discipline and heritage. Many preferred hand-to-hand combat, where they felt their skill truly shined.
THE WOMAN KING - Filming in South Africa, Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Customs
During Dahomey’s Annual Customs, the Mino performed public mock battles. These elaborate displays both honored tradition and reminded citizens of their kingdom’s power.
THE WOMAN KING – Official Trailer (HD), Sony Pictures Entertainment
Warriors Who Held Political Power
Mino held seats on Dahomey’s Grand Council, debating national policy and influencing foreign relations. Their preference for peace and trade often clashed with male advisors.
Frey, H. (Henri), 1847-1932, Wikimedia Commons
The Victory Over Savi
In 1727, King Agaja’s army—possibly aided by female fighters—defeated the rival kingdom of Savi. This victory marked a key expansion of Dahomey’s power in the region.
THE WOMAN KING – Official Trailer (HD), Sony Pictures Entertainment
Facing Fire At Cotonou
In 1890, the Mino charged French colonial forces at Cotonou in hand-to-hand combat. Though outgunned, their bravery shocked Europeansand was recorded in several accounts.
THE WOMAN KING – Official Trailer (HD), Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Bloody Bayonet Charge At Adegon
During the Second Franco-Dahomean War, French men launched a bayonet charge at Adegon. Hundreds of Mino were taken out in a single day, marking the beginning of the end for the warrior corps.
Nanisca Fights Warlord in the Square | The Woman King, Scene City
Tactical Brilliance Under Pressure
In later battles, Mino units were assigned to specifically target French officers. Their strategic thinking proved that these warriors were more than muscle—they were tacticians.
The Fall Of A Kingdom
Despite their valor, the Mino could not match French artillery and resources. By 1894, the Kingdom of Dahomey was annexed, and the Mino were disbanded.
Disbanded, But Not Defeated
Some surviving Mino reportedly took out French officers in secret. Others disguised themselves as wives to protect the exiled royal family in defiance of French rule.
Adam Jones, Ph.D., Wikimedia Commons
A Warrior’s Struggle With Peace
Many former Mino found it difficult to adapt to civilian life. Their warrior instincts made them fierce, restless, and often feared within their own communities.
Pictures from History, Getty Images
The Elders Of Abomey
British visitors in the 1930s and 1940s recorded sightings of elderly former Mino. Though they had become cotton spinners and homemakers, their proud history was never forgotten.
A Tradition That Quietly Endured
An unknown number of women trained in Agojie customs long after the unit disbanded. Though they never saw battle, they kept the spirit of the Mino alive.
The Woman King | Becoming An Agojie (ft. Thuso Mbedu) | Cinema Quest, Cinema Quest
Warrior Women On Screen
In 2019, actress Lupita Nyong’o interviewed one of the last women trained in the Mino tradition. Her documentary Warrior Women brought new life to the nearly forgotten story.
TRAILER | Warrior Women with Lupita Nyong'o | Watch on All 4, Channel 4 Entertainment
The Last Of Her Kind: Nawi
Nawi, thought to be the last surviving Mino, was interviewed in 1978. She claimed to have fought the French in 1892 and passed the following year at well over 100 years old.
Fotograaf / photographer: niet bekend / unknown, Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts
The Dahomey Amazons weren’t just female warriors—they were visionaries, leaders, and protectors. They shattered the boundaries of gender in one of the most dangerous roles imaginable. Though their spears have long since been laid down, their story continues to inspire those who believe in courage without limits.
Nanisca Fights Warlord in the Square | The Woman King, Scene City
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