Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Malagasy kings do a brisk trade in slaves with African, European and Arab
traders. It is estimated that up to 150,000 slaves were exported during the 17th
century.
Late 18th century
Merina chief Ramboasalama assumes the throne at Ambohimanga and, with the
help of European arms traders and military advisors, unifies the various Merina
peoples into a powerful kingdom.
1817
Radama I enters into diplomatic relations with Great Britain, beginning a period
of British influence that carries on well into the 19th century. Missionaries con-
vert the Merina court to Christianity.
1828
Ranavalona I becomes queen, commencing a 33-year reign. She declares Chris-
tianity illegal and denounces European influence, with the exception of industri-
alist Jean Laborde.
1835
The Bible is published in Malagasy, following the London Missionary Society's
transliteration of the language in Roman alphabet. Until then, Malagasy had
been written in the Arabic script Sorabe.
1840s
French engineer Jean Laborde kick-starts Madagascar's industrial revolution by
building an industrial complex in Mantasoa complete with brickworks, blast fur-
naces, arms and munitions factory and textile mills.
1861
Ranavalona dies and Radama II becomes king, abolishing forced labour and re-
instating freedom of religion. Missionary activity begins to expand, and Chris-
tianity becomes the predominant religion of Madagascar.
1862
Radama II is assassinated by Rainilaiarivony, who becomes prime minister and
marries Radama's widow, Rasoherina I. He will also marry the next two queens,
Ranavalona II and Ranavalona III.
1896
