Iᵉʳ siècle av. J.-C. – XIXᵉ siècle
Central Madagascar
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Merina Kingdom was the central Malagasy monarchy whose rulers expanded authority from Imerina across much of Madagascar during the early nineteenth century. Under Radama I and Ranavalona I, it developed a professional army, administrative posts, fortified settlements, regional capitals, and systems of political incorporation. Its authority remained contested in Sakalava, Antandroy, Mahafaly, Bara, and other territories, while European diplomacy and missionary activity shaped its external relations.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The Merina Kingdom emerged from Imerina as the principal political power in nineteenth-century Madagascar. Under Radama I, its rulers pursued expansion toward the eastern ports and across the island, combining military campaigns with diplomacy, marriage alliances, administrative posts, and fortified rova settlements. By 1828, Merina authority extended over approximately two-thirds of Madagascar, although several southern and western regions remained outside effective control.
The kingdom’s military strength rested on a standing army organized and trained partly on the British model. Radama I recruited about 15,000 men, equipped them with English firearms and some light cannon, and introduced a hierarchy of ranks based on honours. The army conquered or subordinated numerous peoples and territories, but maintaining distant forces proved difficult because supplies from Imerina were inadequate. Requisitions in conquered regions frequently provoked resistance and rebellion.
Merina administration sought to convert military success into durable sovereignty. Governors established posts, Merina colonists occupied conquered territories, and fortified compounds symbolized the monarchy’s presence. Regional centres such as Fianarantsoa supported campaigns and administration in the south. Yet Sakalava resistance in Menabe, Boina, and Ambongo, together with opposition among the Antandroy, Mahafaly, and Bara, limited the kingdom’s ability to transform hegemony into complete island-wide control.
Iᵉʳ siècle av. J.-C. – XIXᵉ siècle
Central Madagascar
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Merina Kingdom was the central Malagasy monarchy whose rulers expanded authority from Imerina across much of Madagascar during the early nineteenth century. Under Radama I and Ranavalona I, it developed a professional army, administrative posts, fortified settlements, regional capitals, and systems of political incorporation. Its authority remained contested in Sakalava, Antandroy, Mahafaly, Bara, and other territories, while European diplomacy and missionary activity shaped its external relations.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The Merina Kingdom emerged from Imerina as the principal political power in nineteenth-century Madagascar. Under Radama I, its rulers pursued expansion toward the eastern ports and across the island, combining military campaigns with diplomacy, marriage alliances, administrative posts, and fortified rova settlements. By 1828, Merina authority extended over approximately two-thirds of Madagascar, although several southern and western regions remained outside effective control.
The kingdom’s military strength rested on a standing army organized and trained partly on the British model. Radama I recruited about 15,000 men, equipped them with English firearms and some light cannon, and introduced a hierarchy of ranks based on honours. The army conquered or subordinated numerous peoples and territories, but maintaining distant forces proved difficult because supplies from Imerina were inadequate. Requisitions in conquered regions frequently provoked resistance and rebellion.
Merina administration sought to convert military success into durable sovereignty. Governors established posts, Merina colonists occupied conquered territories, and fortified compounds symbolized the monarchy’s presence. Regional centres such as Fianarantsoa supported campaigns and administration in the south. Yet Sakalava resistance in Menabe, Boina, and Ambongo, together with opposition among the Antandroy, Mahafaly, and Bara, limited the kingdom’s ability to transform hegemony into complete island-wide control.