What does 'not the least' mean?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello everyone,

I’d like to know what ‘not the least’ means in the sentence below:

In her later poems, Phyllis Wheatley’s blending of solar imagery,
Judeo-Christian thought and figures, and the images borrowed from ancient
classicism suggests her range and depth of influences, not the least of which
is her African heritage.

Many thanks. :slight_smile:

2

.
It is not the least important influence; in fact, the influence of her African heritage is considerable.
.

3

Thank you very much, Mr Micawber.