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Nzinga was born in Kabasa, the capital of Ndongo. As daughter of King Kiluanji, she was educated in both political and military affairs from an early age. Her birth name was Nzinga, though she would later be known by various names including Anna de Sousa after her Christian baptism. The kingdom of Ndongo was already dealing with Portuguese incursions and slave trade pressures at the time of her birth.

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In Luanda, Nzinga demonstrated her diplomatic prowess during negotiations with Portuguese governor João Correia de Sousa. When offered only a floor mat to sit on while the governor sat in a chair, she commanded one of her servants to serve as a human chair, displaying her refusal to accept a subordinate position. This meeting resulted in a treaty that temporarily brought peace, though the Portuguese would later break its terms.

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Following her brother's death, Nzinga became Queen of Ndongo. The coronation took place in the capital, marking the beginning of her official reign. She adopted the title 'Ngola' (ruler), from which the country name Angola would later derive. This period marked the beginning of her strategic leadership against Portuguese expansion.

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After being forced from Ndongo, Nzinga established herself as Queen of Matamba, demonstrating her political acumen. She transformed Matamba into a powerful military state and haven for escaped slaves. Here, she built a formidable army that included female warriors and former slaves.

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At Kombi, Nzinga led her armies in a significant victory against Portuguese forces. Her innovative military tactics, including guerrilla warfare strategies, proved highly effective. This battle demonstrated her capability as a military commander and strengthened her position as a formidable opponent to colonial expansion.

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After decades of resistance, Nzinga negotiated a favorable peace treaty with the Portuguese in Luanda. While maintaining her kingdom's independence, she agreed to allow Christian missionaries into her territory. This diplomatic achievement showed her ability to adapt and negotiate while protecting her people's interests.

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1657: Establishment of the Church of Santa Maria

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1657: Establishment of the Church of Santa Maria

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Following the peace treaty, Nzinga supported the construction of the Church of Santa Maria in her capital. This represented her strategic embrace of Christianity while maintaining traditional African political structures. The church became a symbol of her diplomatic balancing act between European and African traditions.

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1663: December 17 - Queen Nzinga's Final Rest

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1663: December 17 - Queen Nzinga's Final Rest

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Queen Nzinga died in Matamba at the age of 80. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy as a skilled diplomat, military strategist, and defender of her people's freedom lived on. She was buried with full royal honors, and her grave became a symbol of African resistance and leadership.