Dihya: The True Defender of North Africa

🛡️ Dihya: The True Defender of North Africa Dihya was a 7th-century Amazigh (Berber) queen and military leader who led a powerful resistance against multiple waves of foreign domination, including the Byzantines, Romans, and later the Umayyad Arab forces from Syria. She ruled from the Aurès Mountains in present-day Algeria and united various Amazigh tribes under her command, becoming the uncontested ruler of the Maghreb for several years. 🔥 Resistance and Scorched Earth Strategy After defeating the Arab general Hasan ibn al-Nu'man in the Battle of Meskiana, Dihya implemented a scorched earth policy—burning cities and orchards to deny the invaders access to resources. This bold strategy, though controversial, was a last stand of defiance and a clear message: North Africa would not be surrendered easily. 👩👦 Family and Betrayal Dihya had three sons, one of whom was reportedly adopted from among captured Arab officers. According to some accounts, her sons were later persuade...