Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Seru Epenisa Cakobau

Role / Field:

Fijian chief and monarch who united parts of Fiji, serving as Vunivalu.

Born:

1815

Died:

1883-02-01

Century / Era:

1815s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau (pronounced [ˈseru epeˈniːsa ðakomˈbau]; occasionally spelled Cacobau) (c. 1815 – 1 February 1883) was a Fijian chief, monarch, and warlord (Vunivalu) who united part of Fiji's warring tribes, establishing a Fijian kingdom. He served as its only king from 1871 to 1874. He was born on Natauloa, Nairai to Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa and one of his nine wives, Adi Savusavu.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Vunivalu and the Roko Tui Bau (sacred chieftain) had had many power struggles during the course of nearly a century. These struggles led to the death of Seru's paternal uncle, the Vunivalu of Bau, Naulivou Ramatenikutu and the installation of Tanoa as Vunivalu. However, after he killed the Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Raiwalui, near Vanua Balavu, amongst other murders and reprisals, Tanoa was exiled in 1832. He married two sisters, Litia (Lydia) Samanunu and Salote (Charlotte) Qalirea Kaunilotuna (daughters of the Roko Tui Bau). Mary Wallis provided a description of him after meeting with him on 7 December 1844: "He is tall, rather good looking, appears fully aware of his consequence, and is not destitute of dignity.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He wore an enormous quantity of hair on his head and several yards of...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Seru Epenisa Cakobau