Ana II of Matamba facts for kids

Ana II Guterres da Silva Ngola Kanini was a powerful queen in Africa. She ruled the kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba. Her reign lasted from 1742 until her death in 1756.

Who Was Queen Ana II?

Ana II was the granddaughter of a famous queen named Verónica I Guterres. Some people thought she was Verónica I's daughter. There's a theory that her sister, Juliana I Guterres, ruled before her. It's also thought that Ana II adopted her niece, Verónica, as her heir. Verónica was called her daughter and was chosen to take over the throne.

Facing an Invasion

In 1744, Ana II faced a big challenge. Portuguese forces invaded Matamba. This was one of the largest military attacks by Portugal in the 1700s.

The Battle and Treaty

Matamba's army fought bravely against the Portuguese. They even won a major victory. However, some Portuguese soldiers still reached the capital city. To stop a long war, Ana II signed a peace treaty with Portugal. This treaty renewed agreements made by Queen Verónica I in 1683.

The treaty allowed Portugal to claim Matamba as a "vassal state." This meant Matamba was supposedly under Portugal's rule. It also opened Matamba to Portuguese trade. But in reality, the treaty didn't change much. Matamba largely kept its independence. Trade also continued as before.

A Christian Kingdom

Like Queen Verónica I before her, Ana II wanted Matamba to be a Christian country. She often sent letters to church leaders. She asked for missionaries to come to Matamba. She wanted them to set up permanent churches. Missionaries did visit from different places. However, a lasting mission was never established during her rule.

Her Death and Successors

Queen Ana II died in 1756. Her chosen heir, Verónica II, took the throne. However, Verónica II was removed from power and killed just two years later in 1758. Her own daughter, Ana III, then became queen.

Issue

• Verónica II Guterres (died 1758), may have been niece and adoptive daughter
• Ana III Guterres (died 1767)