History of Africa

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Latest Episodes:

Season 4 Episode 10: Andriamasinavaloa and the Hova Revolution Apr 10, 2023

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The class conflict of Imerina comes to a head, as the free peasants of central Madagascar overthrow the hated king Razakatsitakatrandria. In his place they elevate Andriamasinavalona, a king far more willing to listen and act on their concerns, ushering in a golden age of Merina history.

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Season 4 Episode 9: Betsimitatra and the Wonders of Merina Agricultural Engineering Mar 27, 2023

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As Andrianjaka passes his stable but poor kingdom to his grandchildren, they undertake an enormous project to improve the agricultural output of Imerina. Their largest project, consisting of the miles of canals and terraces of Betsimitatra, would go on to transform the destiny of Imerina's history. This project, completed using the fanampoana system of conscript labor, would forever transform the demographics of Imerina by kicking off a decades-long trend of rapid Merina population growth.

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Season 4 Episode 8: Andrianjaka - The Indivisible Sun Mar 13, 2023

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Despite being the younger of Ralambo's sons, Andrianjaka inherited the kingdom of Imerina due to his brother's board gaming addiction. He would make the most of this time, with some of the most important developments during his rule including: the foundation of Madagascar's most important city in Antananarivo, the canonization of religious practices surrounding the sampy, and the final expulsion of the remaining Vazimba from the kingdom.

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Season 4 Episode 7: Ralambo’s Wars Feb 27, 2023

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In the early 17th century, a raiding party of Sakalava soldiers entered Imerina. King Ralambo, faced with an existential threat, was forced to rely only on a combination of his own wit and divine assistance from the idol Kelimalaza. According to the Tantara, Kelimalaza assisted Ralambo in all of his shocking victories over his larger and better-equipped enemy armies.

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Season 4 Episode 6: Sakalava - Madagascar’s First Empire Feb 13, 2023

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While Imerina is our primary focus this season, they were far from the pre-eminent power in 18th Century Madagascar. In today's show, let's learn about the first empire to truly dominate Madagascar, the equally fascinating and enigmatic kingdom known as Sakalava. Since our show is primarily told from the Merina perspective, they will be the primary "antagonists" of this season. However, don't get it twisted: the Sakalava kingdom and its people were so much more than mere enemies of the Merina.

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Season 4 Episode 5: Ralambo, the Miracle Child Jan 30, 2023

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Of all seven of the king's children, Ralambo was the only son to survive into adulthood. Emerging into a world through a miraculous birth, Ralambo's rule would be miraculous in its own right. From transforming his country's views on marriage, completely rewriting its system of religious worship, and setting up the foundations of its future class system, Ralambo's rule could be argued to be the true beginning of the Merina Kingdom.

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Season 4 Episode 4 - Andriamanelo, King of Alasora Jan 16, 2023

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With Rangita deceased, it is now time for her sons to live up to her promise to cooperate and share power. Which lasts about as long as you'd expect.
With his brother dead, Andriamanelo now has to decide the direction of his rule. He will certainly make a lasting impact.

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Season 4 Episode 3: The Vazimba, Hova, and the Merina Jan 02, 2023

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In today's episode, we examine the Vazimba, the mysterious original inhabitants of inland Madagascar. Are they fact, fiction, or somewhere in between?

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Season 4 Episode 2: Settlers from All Shores Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

This episode charts the numerous hypotheses and perceptions of Madagascar's confusing early history of migrations, its place in the economic system of the ancient Indian Ocean, and the demographics that eventually became the ancestors of the Malagasy.

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Season 4 Episode 1: Madagascar - The Eighth Continent Dec 05, 2022

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Today, we take our first steps into the history of Madagascar by looking at some unique features of the island itself, including the various topological and climatic regions within, as well as its unique flora and fauna.

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