Radama I
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Radama I, also known as Radama the Great, was the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar by a European state, Great Britain. He came to power at the age of 17 following the de
Portrait by Philippe-Auguste Ramanankirahina, 1905
French language workbook of Radama I
Illustration of Radama reviewing his troops (1825)
Tomb of King Radama I (right), 1885
Ranavalona I
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Ranavalona I, also known as Ramavo or Ranavalo-Manjaka I or Ranavalona reniny, was the sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. After positioning herself as queen following the death
Radama I
…of the island under his rule. Abuse of alcohol weakened his health and he died prematurely at age 35. He was succeeded by his highest-ranking wife, Ranavalona I. Radama was the son of Rambolamasoandro and King Andrianampoinimerina of Imerina, a growing kingdom in the central plateau of the island around…
Posthumous portrait, 1905
Queen Ranavalona I with her son and heir Prince Rakoto. Posthumous circa 1875
Ranavalona traveling on her filanzana (palanquin), accompanied by her son Rakoto on horseback and a retinue of slaves and soldiers. Posthumous, 1895
Ranavalona built a wooden palace (upper right) called Manjakamiadana, the largest structure in the Rova compound of Antananarivo. It was later encased in stone during Ranavalona II's reign.