Kingdom of Kongo

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Kongo?

Subject:

Kingdom of Kongo

Known for:

A powerful Central African kingdom that maintained sovereignty until the late 19th century.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Kingdom of Kongo (Kongo: Kongo Dya Ntotila or Wene wa Kongo; Portuguese: Reino do Congo; Latin: Regnum Congo) was a kingdom in Central Africa. It was located in present-day northern Angola, the western portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southern Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. At its greatest extent it reached from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Kwango River in the east, and from the Congo River in the north to the Kwanza River in the south. The kingdom consisted of several core provinces ruled by the Manikongo, the Portuguese version of the Kongo title Mwene Kongo, meaning "lord or ruler of the Kongo kingdom", and its sphere of influence extended to neighbouring kingdoms, such as Ngoyo, Kakongo, Loango, Ndongo, and Matamba, the latter two located in what became Angola. From c. 1390 to 1862, it was an independent state.

Career & Major Achievements

From 1862 to 1914, it functioned intermittently as a vassal state of the Kingdom of Portugal. In 1914, following the Portuguese suppression of a Kongo revolt, Portugal abolished the titular monarchy. The title of King of Kongo was restored from 1915 until 1975, as an honorific without real power. The remaining territories of the kingdom were assimilated into the colony of Portuguese Angola and the Independent State of the Congo respectively. The modern-day Bundu dia Kongo sect favours reviving the kingdom through secession from Angola, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Oral traditions about the early history of the country were set in writing for the first time in the late 16th century. Especially detailed versions were recorded in the mid-17th century, which include those written by the Italian Capuchin missionary Giovanni Cavazzi da Montecuccolo. Traditions about the foundation changed over time, depending on historical circumstances. Modern research into oral tradition, including recording them in writing began in the 1910s with Mpetelo Boka and Lievan Sakala Boku writing in KiKongo, and extended by Redemptorist missionaries like Jean Cuvelier and Joséph de Munck. In 1934, Cuvelier published a KiKongo language summary of these traditions in Nkutama a mvila za makanda.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1390: 1390 Milestone — 1390 to 1862, it was an independent state.
2. 1862: 1862 Milestone — From 1862 to 1914, it functioned intermittently as a vassal state of the Kingdom of Portugal.
3. 1914: 1914 Milestone — In 1914, following the Portuguese suppression of a Kongo revolt, Portugal abolished the titular monarchy.
4. 1915: 1915 Milestone — The title of King of Kongo was restored from 1915 until 1975, as an honorific without real power.
5. 1934: 1934 Milestone — In 1934, Cuvelier published a KiKongo language summary of these traditions in Nkutama a mvila za makanda.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Kongo

True or False: “The Kingdom of Kongo was an independent state continuously from its founding in 1390 until the Portuguese abolished the monarchy in 1914.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was largely independent from c. 1390 to 1862, it functioned intermittently as a vassal state of Portugal between 1862 and 1914.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert of Saxony (philosopher) — Historical peer (Died in 1390) (1390): German philosopher and mathematician known for logic and physics, and Bishop of Halberstadt.
• Fra Angelico — Historical peer (Born in 1390) (1390): Dominican friar and painter of the early Florentine Renaissance, known for religious frescoes.
• Andrew Fisher — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): Australian Labor Party leader and Prime Minister of Australia (1862–1928).
• Aristide Briand — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): French statesman known for international reconciliation and peace efforts.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• 50 Cent — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
• Alex Rodriguez — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Legendary former MLB star, A-Rod, transitioned into a powerful sports and business mogul.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kingdom of Kongo