From 18th century BCE
Southern Gulma, upper Volta basin
The Kingdom of Nungu was an eighteenth-century polity in southern Gulma, founded by Yendabri, a descendant of Jaba. Its ruler led a coalition of kingdoms against the Tyokosi, Manden mercenaries associated with the Wattara group. During the eighteenth century, the Nunbado became the leading ruler in Gulma, and Nungu’s royal seat developed into the region’s principal town through Hausa trading activity. The extent of Nunbado authority remained territorially limited, but his moral and ritual prestige was exceptional.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Kingdom of Nungu emerged in southern Gulma during the middle of the eighteenth century. Its founder, Yendabri, was presented as a descendant of Jaba, linking the new polity to an older dynastic and sacred genealogy. The surrounding political landscape contained numerous kingdoms, and the history of the southern region remained difficult to reconstruct in detail.
Nungu’s early importance was shaped by conflict with the Tyokosi, Manden mercenaries belonging to the Wattara group. The Tyokosi had originally served the kings of Mamprusi before overrunning southern Gulma. Yendabri responded by taking the lead in a coalition of kingdoms that sought to expel them from the region.
The coalition pursued the Tyokosi to Sansane-Mango, their capital, and laid siege to the town. Although Yendabri’s victory enhanced his standing, it remains uncertain whether he used the success to consolidate lasting political control over the allied kingdoms. What is clear is that the ruler of Nungu subsequently acquired pre-eminence in Gulma.
From 18th century BCE
Southern Gulma, upper Volta basin
The Kingdom of Nungu was an eighteenth-century polity in southern Gulma, founded by Yendabri, a descendant of Jaba. Its ruler led a coalition of kingdoms against the Tyokosi, Manden mercenaries associated with the Wattara group. During the eighteenth century, the Nunbado became the leading ruler in Gulma, and Nungu’s royal seat developed into the region’s principal town through Hausa trading activity. The extent of Nunbado authority remained territorially limited, but his moral and ritual prestige was exceptional.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Kingdom of Nungu emerged in southern Gulma during the middle of the eighteenth century. Its founder, Yendabri, was presented as a descendant of Jaba, linking the new polity to an older dynastic and sacred genealogy. The surrounding political landscape contained numerous kingdoms, and the history of the southern region remained difficult to reconstruct in detail.
Nungu’s early importance was shaped by conflict with the Tyokosi, Manden mercenaries belonging to the Wattara group. The Tyokosi had originally served the kings of Mamprusi before overrunning southern Gulma. Yendabri responded by taking the lead in a coalition of kingdoms that sought to expel them from the region.
The coalition pursued the Tyokosi to Sansane-Mango, their capital, and laid siege to the town. Although Yendabri’s victory enhanced his standing, it remains uncertain whether he used the success to consolidate lasting political control over the allied kingdoms. What is clear is that the ruler of Nungu subsequently acquired pre-eminence in Gulma.