Queen warrior Emerged as leader of Zazzua cavalry Amina's many accolades, great wealth, and increased power resulted from her numerous military achievements. In her 34-year reign she continued to fight and expand her kingdom. She introduced metal armour, including iron helmets and chain mail to her army because her people were talented metal workers. To her credit, she fortified each of her military camps with an earthen wall. Later, towns and villages sprung up within these protective barriers. The walls became known as Amina's Walls and many of them remain in existence to this day. Her legendary escapades made her the model for the television series Xena Warrior Princess. Today, her memory represents the spirit and strength of womanhood. Amina was born in Zaria, a province of today's Nigeria. Their family's wealth was derived from the trade of leather goods, cloth, kola, salt, horses and imported metals.