People > Kandake
Kandake
Background
Kandake, also known as Candace, was a title used by the ruling queens of the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient African civilization located in what is now Sudan. The title of Kandake derives from the Meroitic language, the language of the Kushite people, and is often translated as "queen mother" or "royal woman." Here are some key points about the role of Kandake:
Political Authority: The Kandake held significant political authority within the Kingdom of Kush. While the exact nature of her powers varied over time, she was often considered the highest-ranking female ruler and wielded considerable influence in matters of governance, diplomacy, and religion.
Succession: In the matrilineal society of Kush, royal succession followed the female line. This means that the son of a Kandake had a stronger claim to the throne than other potential heirs. The Kandake played a central role in ensuring the legitimacy of the royal succession and preserving the continuity of the monarchy.
Military Leadership: Some Kandakes are known to have taken an active role in military affairs, leading armies into battle against external threats to the kingdom. One of the most famous examples is the Kandake Amanirenas, who led military campaigns against the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE, successfully repelling Roman incursions into Kushite territory.
Religious Authority: The Kandake also held religious significance as a high priestess and mediator between the earthly realm and the divine. She played a central role in religious ceremonies and rituals, overseeing the worship of the Kushite gods and goddesses.
Cultural Legacy: The institution of the Kandake is an important aspect of Kushite culture and identity. The queens who held this title were revered as symbols of strength, wisdom, and divine authority, and their legacy continues to be celebrated in the modern-day Sudanese cultural landscape.
Overall, the Kandake was a powerful and respected figure in ancient Kushite society, embodying both political and religious authority. Her leadership played a crucial role in shaping the history and identity of the Kingdom of Kush.
- Ahhotep I
- Akhenaten
- Alexander The Great
- Amanirenas
- Amasis I
- Amasis II
- Amenemhat I
- Amenemhat II
- Amenemhat III
- Amenemhat IV
- Amenemnisu
- Amenemope
- Amenhotep I
- Amenhotep II
- Amenhotep III
- Amenmesse
- Amyrtaeus
- Anedjib
- Apries
- Artaxerxes III
- Ashurbanipal
- Assyrian People
- Ay
- Babaef II
- Babylonian People
- Bakenranef
- Cambyses II
- Cleopatra VII
- Crocodile
- Cyrus The Great
- Darius I
- Darius II
- Darius III
- Den
- Djer
- Djet
- Djoser
- Egyptian King List
- Egyptian People
- Egyptian Queens
- Egyptian Soldiers
- Esarhaddon
- Haapi
- Hakor
- Hatshepsut
- Herodotus
- Hor Aha
- Horemheb
- Hotepibre
- Ini
- Irimayassa
- Irmaatenre
- Irtiubast
- Iunmin I
- Iuput I
- Kandake
- Karoatjet
- Kashta
- Kheperkare
- Khufu
- Manetho
- Mazaces
- Menes
- Mentuhotep IV
- Merneith
- Mursilis II
- Nabopolassar
- Narmer
- Nebuchadnezzar II
- Necho I
- Necho II
- Neferkare VIII
- Nepherites I
- Nepherites II
- Nitiqret
- Nomarchs
- Osorkon I
- Osorkon II
- Osorkon III
- Osorkon IV
- Osorkon The Elder
- Pami
- Pedubast I
- Pedubast II
- Peftjauawybast
- Pepi I
- Pepi II
- Pinedjem I
- Piye
- Psammuthes
- Psamtik I
- Psamtik II
- Psamtik III
- Psusennes I
- Psusennes II
- Ptolemy I Soter
- Qa A
- Ramesses I
- Ramesses II
- Ramesses III
- Ramesses IV
- Ramesses IX
- Ramesses V
- Ramesses VI
- Ramesses VII
- Ramesses VIII
- Ramesses X
- Ramesses XI
- Rudamun
- Sabaces
- Sargon II
- Scorpion II
- Scorpion King
- Semerkhet
- Senedjemibra Setepeninhur
- Sennacherib
- Senusret I
- Senusret II
- Senusret III
- Sethos
- Seti I
- Shabaka
- Shebitku
- Shoshenq I
- Shoshenq II
- Shoshenq III
- Shoshenq IV
- Shoshenq V
- Shoshenq VI
- Siamun
- Smendes
- Sneferu
- Sobekneferu
- Taharqa
- Takelot I
- Takelot II
- Takelot III
- Tantamani
- Tashereniset I
- Tefnakht I
- Teti
- Thutmose I
- Thutmose II
- Thutmose III
- Tjayasetimu
- Tutankhamun
- Wahkare Khety III
