The Mino — whom Europeans called the Amazons of Dahomey — were not born warriors. They became them. Behind every woman who charged into battle, every rifle fired with precision, every tactic executed without hesitation, there were years of rigorous training — a programme that few soldiers, male or female, could have endured.

Recruitment: How did one become Mino?

Mino recruitment began early — sometimes as young as eight or nine years old. Several paths led to this elite corps. Some girls were offered to the king by their families, an honour that elevated the family's status. Others were selected from among the royal wives, a promotion that transformed a wife into a soldier. And still others, the most determined, volunteered — drawn by the promise of power, independence and prestige that Mino status conferred.

Whichever the entry path, once accepted, the recruit never left the corps. Mino were not allowed to marry, had no children and devoted their entire lives to military service. The royal palace was their home, the army their family.

Basic training: Forging body and spirit

Training began with intense physical conditioning. Recruits ran kilometres each day, carrying heavy loads, traversing thorny bush barefoot. Strength exercises included tree climbing, jumping over pits and hours of marching in formation under the relentless sun of the Abomey plateau.

But physical training was only part of the programme. Mino also learned to endure pain without flinching, to obey orders without hesitation and to function as a cohesive unit. Discipline was absolute: a Mino who showed fear or indecision was dismissed without appeal.

Firearms training: The technological advantage

Under King Agadja's reign, the Mino were among the first Dahomean troops to receive firearms training. Muskets — purchased from Europeans in exchange for slaves — became the Mino's primary weapon. Shooting training was intensive: recruits spent hours aiming, loading and firing until the movement became automatic.

The Mino were renowned for their shooting accuracy. Contemporary European accounts report that Mino could hit a target at over a hundred metres, an impressive feat with the powder muskets of the era. Some Mino wielded two muskets at once, firing and reloading with a speed that astonished observers.

Close combat: The machete and technique

Beyond firearms, the Mino mastered close combat. Each warrior carried a short machete and learned knife fighting techniques. Exercises included combat simulations against opponents armed with spears and arrows, disarming techniques and silent approach methods for reconnaissance missions.

Close combat training was particularly brutal. Recruits fought each other with wooden weapons, but injuries were frequent. Scars were considered marks of honour.

Life at the palace: Daily discipline

The Mino lived in the royal palace, in quarters separate from those of other royal wives. Their day began before dawn and included morning exercises, palace patrols and regular training. They were fed and housed by the king, received medical care and wore distinctive uniforms that signalled their elite status.

But palace life was also a life of deprivation. Mino were not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke or have sexual relations. Any transgression was severely punished, sometimes by death. Discipline was the pillar of their existence.

Military tactics: The strength of the elite

On the battlefield, the Mino were deployed as an elite troop. Their main role was to break enemy lines through massive, coordinated charges. The Mino charged in tight formation, firing at will before engaging in close combat. Their speed and discipline allowed them to manoeuvre where regular troops could not.

Under King Ghezo's reign, the Mino constituted between 30 and 40 percent of the Dahomean army. Their mere reputation was sometimes enough to sow terror in the enemy. Battle accounts report that Mino preferred death to capture and would commit suicide rather than surrender.

Frequently asked questions about Mino training

At what age did Mino training begin?

Recruits could be selected as young as eight years old, although full-time training generally began in adolescence.

How long did training last?

Basic training lasted several years, but Mino continued regular training throughout their careers.

What weapons did the Mino use?

The Mino primarily used muskets, machetes and knives. Under King Ghezo, some Mino were equipped with more modern rifles imported from Europe.

Were the Mino better than male soldiers?

Many European and Dahomean accounts report that the Mino were considered more formidable than male soldiers, particularly for their discipline and courage in battle.

Discover the story of the Mino

To go deeper, read the full history of the Mino, the Amazons of Dahomey, or explore the portrait of Queen Hangbe, who may have been the first to organise these elite warriors. Plan your visit to Abomey to discover the royal palaces and the historical museum.