A kingdom is a state with a king or queen as its head.[1] An empire is a political unit made up of several territories, military outposts, and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant centre and subordinate peripheries".[2]
There were many kingdoms and empires in all regions of the continent of Africa throughout history, despite popular understanding often being that the continent lacked large states or meaningful complex political organisation. Whether rooted in ignorance, Eurocentrism, or racism, famous historians such as Hugh Trevor-Roper have argued that African history is not characterised by state formation or hierarchical structures. In fact, the nature of political organisation varied greatly across the continent, from the immensely hierarchical kingdoms of the Great Lakes, to the sacral Congolese empires and expansive West Sudanic empires.[3]
The vast majority of states included in this list existed prior to the Scramble for Africa (c. 1880–1914) when, driven by the Second Industrial Revolution, almost all of the continent came under the control of European powers. Traditional power structures were often utilised by the colonial authorities.
Some kingdoms still exist today as non–sovereign monarchies. The roles, powers, and influence of non–sovereign monarchs throughout Africa vary greatly depending on the state. In some states, such as Angola, the local monarch may play an integral role in the local governing council of a region.[4][5] They are often regarded as custodians of tradition and culture, and in some cases, play an important role in local religious activities.[6][7] On the flipside their powers may be curtailed, as happened in 2022 with Wadai in Chad,[8] or had their positions abolished, as happened in Tanzania in 1962,[9] and in 1966 in Uganda with Buganda, which was later restored in 1993. In this list they are labelled (NSM).
There are only three current sovereign monarchies in Africa;[10] two of which (Lesotho and Morocco) are constitutional monarchies where the rulers are bound by laws and customs in the exercise of their powers, while one (Eswatini) is an absolute monarchy where the monarch rules without bounds. Sovereign monarchies are labelled (SM).
There have been a number of autocrats in Africa who invoked hereditary succession in order to preserve their regimes,[11] such as the Bongos of Gabon,[12] Gnassingbés of Togo,[13] or Aptidon–Guelleh of Djibouti,[14] generating the term monarchical republic.[12] These have been tentatively included due to their similarities to, and possibly even taking inspiration from, the institution of monarchy and are labelled (MR).
Criteria
Only kingdoms and tribal kingdoms as per Elman Service's classifications that were once independent are included, excluding bands, tribes, and most chiefdoms. Dates have [one date for loss of independence] / [one date for loss of nominal rule]. Additional information such as notable articles may accompany entries.
The intercontinental Islamic empires that covered parts of North and Northeast Africa are not included, and should be discussed as part of the Muslim world, however the residual fragments that had their capital on the continent of Africa are.
History periods and sources
4th millennium BC – 6th century AD
Outside of North Africa, most of African political history relating to this time period has been pieced together through archaeological discoveries. There is very little written information about Sub–Saharan Africa at this time, besides that from outsiders such as "Periplus of the Erythraean Sea", dated to the 1st century AD, and the accounts of Claudius Ptolemy, dated to the 2nd century AD, both illuminating the East African coast. The delicate threads of oral tradition generally do not go back this far.
7th century – 15th century AD
Sub–Saharan African societies have broadly been labelled "oral civilisations", contrasted with "literate civilisations", due to the emphasis placed on oral tradition and the important place it has in their cultures. As such, most of African history predating the colonial period has been preserved orally, passed down from generation to generation, and served a different function to the academic discipline of history. Perhaps the most famous examples of this is the Griots of West Africa, such as Balla Fasséké in the Mali Empire, who held largely hereditary positions. One of their roles was to study and memorise their people's history and serve in the king's court as an advisor, to represent the past, and to identify lessons. Whilst many oral traditions refer to this particular time period, they often take a mythological and parabolic form, and are over time condensed until eventually crystallising into a cliché, limiting but not eradicating their usefulness to modern historians, as displayed in the oral traditions about the Empire of Kitara, an empire in the Great Lakes region that existed from around the 10th century to 15th century AD.
Following the spread of Islam to Africa in the 7th century AD, there were many more written histories, most notably from Ibn Khaldun, but also from al–Masudi, al–Bakri, al–Idrisi, Yaqut, Abulfeda, al–Umari, and Ibn Battuta. Ge'ez literature also began covering history from the 14th to 16th century.
16th century AD – present
There is a wealth of oral traditions referring to the modern period that offer important and often crucial information for modern historians. There were high levels of scepticism regarding oral histories among historians of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries leading to their obscurity, and whilst valid criticisms remain about their limitations, modern attitudes towards oral traditions as historical sources continue to improve.[15]
Increased trade with Europe and an influx of Catholic missions from the 16th century onwards produced more written information which supplemented the Arabic literature, however African historiography as we view it today didn't take off until the 19th century under increased European interest in the region. These histories have been invaluable to modern historians, however they were often written from the colonial perspective under the pretence of Western superiority, occasionally for the purpose of disseminating colonial narratives. This has provided the fuel for anti–African bias, particularly regarding their history, which still persists in many countries today.[16][17]
Comparison between kingdoms
Historian Jan Vansina (1962) discusses the classification of Sub–Saharan African Kingdoms, mostly of Central, South and East Africa, with some additional data on West African (Sahelian) Kingdoms distinguishing five types, by decreasing centralization of power:[18]
- Despotic Kingdoms (D): Kingdoms where the king controlled the internal and external affairs directly and personally appointed overseers. The king kept a monopoly on the use of force. Examples include Rwanda, Nkore/Ankole, and Kongo of the 16th century.
- Regal Kingdoms (R): Kingdoms where the king controlled the external affairs directly, and the internal affairs via a system of overseers where most local chiefs kept their positions but not their autonomy after conquest. The king and most of his administration belonged to the same religion, group and/or family.
- Incorporative Kingdoms (I): Kingdoms where the king only controlled the external affairs and the nucleus with no permanent administrative links between him and the chiefs of the provinces. The local chiefs of the provinces were left largely undisturbed after conquest. Examples are the Bamileke, Luba and the Lozi.
- Aristocratic Kingdoms (A): The only link between central authority and the provinces was payment of tribute which symbolised subordination. These kingdoms were kept together by the superior military strength of the nucleus. This type is rather common in Africa, examples include Kongo of the 17th century, Kazembe, Kuba, the Ha, and Chagga states of the 18th century.
- Federations (F): Kingdoms where the external affairs were regulated by a council of elders headed by the king, who is simply primus inter pares, such as in the Ashanti Union. (Confederations are not included; see "List of confederations").
Almost all sultanates embody (R) due to the nature of the Islamic version of kingship.[19] For this reason, and in the interest of highlighting differences, classifications for sultanates will only reference the relationship between the sultan and their administration.
Classifications not given as examples by Vansina are open to scrutiny (here). Ones where two classifications are given and joined by an "and" mean that the kingdom had elements from both present; [a] refers to the king's place and power, particularly in the nucleus, whilst [b] refers to the relationship between king and administration.
List of African kingdoms
A list of known kingdoms and empires on the African continent that we have record of.
North Africa
4th millennium BC – 6th century AD
- Protodynastic period in Egypt: (preceded by various cultures in which it is unclear if the institution of kingship existed) (preceded by nomes and nomarchs)
- Lower Egypt Kingdom (3500–3100 BC)
- Upper Egypt Kingdom (3400–3150 BC)
- Early Dynastic Egypt ((D)[a] and (A)[b])[20] (3150–2686 BC)
- Old Kingdom of Egypt (((D) to (R))[a] (4th dynasty) and ((R) to (A))[b] (6th dynasty)) [21] (2686–2181 BC)
- Kingdom of Kerma (2500–1500 BC)
- First Intermediate Period in Egypt: (2181–2055 BC)
- Middle Kingdom of Egypt ((D) in 12th dynasty)[22] (2055–1650 BC)
- Second Intermediate Period in Egypt (1700–1550 BC)
- 14th dynasty at Xois (1700–1650 BC)
- 15th dynasty and the Hyksos (1650–1550 BC)
- Abydos dynasty (1640–1620 BC)
- 16th dynasty (1650–1580 BC)
- 17th dynasty (1571–1540 BC)
- New Kingdom of Egypt (1550–1077 BC)
- Third Intermediate Period in Egypt: (1077–664 BC)
- 21st dynasty (1077–943 BC)
- 22nd dynasty (943–716 BC)
- 23rd dynasty (837–728 BC)
- 24th dynasty (732–720 BC)
- Kingdom of Kush (1070 BC – 350 AD) and the 25th dynasty of Egypt/Kushite Empire (754–656 BC)
- Ancient Carthage (814–146 BC)
- Late Dynastic Egypt (664–525 BC, 404–343 BC)
- Battiadae Kingdom (631–440 BC) (List of kings of Cyrene)
- Garamantes Kingdom (pre 5th century BC – 7th century AD)
- Nasamones Chiefdom (pre 5th century BC–?)
- Kingdom of Blemmyes (600 BC – 3rd century AD)
- Ptolemaic Kingdom (305–30 BC)
- Kingdom of Numidia (202–46 BC) (preceded by Massylii Confederation)
- Kingdom of Mauretania (202 BC – 25 BC/44 AD)
- Kingdom of Nobatia (350–650 AD) (absorbed into Makuria)
- Kingdom of Ouarsenis (430–735 AD) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans (435–534 AD)
- Kingdom of the Moors and Romans (477–599 AD)
- Kingdom of the Aurès (484–703 AD) (Kahina) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Kingdom of Makuria (5th century–1518 AD) (Dongola as an interchangeable name prior to 1365? "[23]" and Qalidurut, in which there are contrasting titles for the same king) (its rump state after the 1365 civil war is often conflated as Dotawo and it is unknown whether the other polity in the civil war continued to hold Dongola prior to Funj conquest)
- Kingdom of Hodna[24]: 508 (5th century–7th century AD) (Hodna) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Kingdom of Capsus (5th century–6th/7th century AD) (Gafsa) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Nemencha Kingdom (5th century–7th century AD) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Lagautan/Tripolis/Cabaon Kingdom (5th century–7th century AD) (Cabaon) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Kingdom of Dorsale[25] (510–7th century AD) (Roman–Berber kingdoms) (mentioned in Vandal Kingdom#Later years)
- Kingdom of Altava (578–708 AD) (Kusaila of Awraba) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
- Principality of Tingitana[24]: 508 (6th century–7th century AD) (Mauretania Tingitana)
- Kingdom of Alodia/Alwa (6th century–1504 AD)
7th century – 15th century AD
- Dar Sila 'Wandering Sultanate'[26] (619–? AD)
- Emirate of Nekor (710–1019 AD)
- Barghawata/Tamasna Kingdom[27] (744–1058 AD) (Salih ibn Tarif)
- al–Rahman's Ifriqiya (745–755 AD)
- Ifranid Emirate of Tlemcen (757–790 AD) (Algeria)
- Emirate of Sijilmassa (759–976 AD)
- Rustamid Imamate of Tahert (767–909 AD) (Algeria) (Tahert)
- Idrisid dynasty (789–974 AD) (Morocco)
- Imamate of Nafusa (8th century–911 AD)
- Aghlabid dynasty (800–909 AD) (Tunisia)
- Sulaymanid dynasty (814–922 AD) (Algeria)
- Tulunid dynasty (868–905 AD) (Egypt)
- Fatimid Caliphate (910–1171 AD) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
- Banu Khattab dynasty (918–1172/1177 AD) (Zawila) (Libya)
- Ikhshidid dynasty (935–969 AD) (Egypt) (Abu al–Misk Kafur)
- Banu Kanz dynasty (948–1365 AD) (Egypt/Sudan)
- Maghrawa dynasty (988–1069 AD) (Morocco)
- Banu Khazrun dynasty (1001–1146 AD) (Libya)
- M'zab (1012–16th century/1882 AD)
- Hammadid dynasty (1014–1152 AD) (Algeria) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
- Almoravid dynasty (1040–1147 AD) (Morocco and Western Sahara) (born from Aznag Confederation)
- Zirid dynasty (1048–1148 AD) (Algeria) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
- Khurasanid dynasty (1059–1128 AD, 1148–1158 AD) (Tunisia)
- Banu Ghaniya dynasty[28] (1180–1212 AD) (Tunisia)
- Banu Hilal Chiefdom (11th century–? AD) (Hilalian invasion of Ifriqiya) (Abu Zayd al–Hilali)
- Almohad dynasty (1121–1269 AD) (Morocco) (born from Masmuda Confederation) (Tinmel)
- Ayyubid dynasty (1171–1254 AD) (Egypt)
- Guanches Guanartematos: (pre–15th century AD) (Gran Canaria)
- Daju kingdom (12th century–15th century AD) preceded by Tora (overthrown by Tunjur)
- Emirate of Banu Talis (1228–1551 AD)
- Hafsid dynasty (1229–1574 AD) (Tunisia) (born from Masmuda Confederation)
- Zayyanid Kingdom of Tlemcen (1235–1556 AD) (Algeria) (born from Zenata Confederation)
- Marinid dynasty (1248–1465 AD) (Morocco) (born from Zenata Confederation)
- Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517 AD)
- Bahri dynasty (1250–1382 AD)
- Burji dynasty (1382–1517 AD)
- Banu Makki dynasty (1282–1394 AD) (Tunisia)
- Hafsid Emirate of Béjaïa/Bougie (1285–1510 AD)
- Kingdom of al–Abwab (13th century–15th/16th century AD)
- Hafsid Emirate of Qusantina/Constantine[29] (AD 13th/14th century–1528) (Constantine)
- Banu Thabit dynasty (1324–1401 AD) (Libya)
- Zab Emirate (mid 14th century–1402 AD)
- Sultanate of Tuggurt (1414–1854/1871 AD) (vassal of Algiers (AD 1552–1812/1827)) (List of rulers of Tuggurt)
- Wattasid dynasty (1470–1554 AD) (Morocco) (born from Zenata Confederation)
- Tunjur kingdom (15th century–mid 17th century AD) (overthrown by Darfur)
- Abdallabi Kingdom (15th century–1504/1821 AD)
16th century AD – present
- Kingdom of Fazughli (1500–1685 AD)
- Sultanate of Sennar/Funj (1504–1821 AD)
- Saadi Principality of Sus and Tagmadert (1509–1554 AD) (Sous) (at times ruled separately from Saadi Sultanate)
- Kingdom of Beni Abbas (1510–1872 AD)
- Kingdom of Kuku (1515–1638 AD)
- Regency of Algiers (1516/1659–1830 AD) (Odjak of Algiers Revolution)
- Fezzan Sultanate (1550–1812 AD)
- Saadi dynasty (1554–1659 AD) (Morocco)
- Regency of Tunis (1574/1591/1613–1705 AD) (Muradid dynasty) succeeded by Beylik of Tunis (1705–1881 AD) (Husainid dynasty)
- Naqsid Principality of Tetouan (1597–1673 AD)
- Sultanate of Darfur (1603–1874 AD, 1898–1916 AD) (Keira dynasty)
- Republic of Bou Regreg (1627–1668 AD) (Elective monarchy?)
- Dila'iya Sultanate (1637–1668 AD)
- Alaouite dynasty (1666 AD–current) (SM of Morocco) (Makhzen)
- Dar Tama Sultanate[30][26]: 450 (17th century AD–?) (Tama people)
- Regency of Tripoli (1551/1711–1835/1912 AD) (Karamanli dynasty)
- Taqali Kingdom (1750–1884 AD, 1889–1969 AD) (Tagale people)
- Emirate of Abdelkader/Mascara (1832–1847 AD)
- Dar Qimr Sultanate[30][26]: 450 (1850–?/1945 AD) (mentioned in Sultan#West Asia and North Africa)
- Mahdist State (1885–1889 AD)
- Dar Masalit Sultanate[30] (19th century–early 20th century AD)
- Muhammad Ali dynasty (1914–1951 AD) (Egypt)
- Emirate of Cyrenaica (1949–1951 AD)
- Senussi dynasty (1951–1969 AD) (Libya) preceded by Senusiyya (1837 AD–present)
- Kingdom of Tunisia (1956–1957 AD)
East Africa
4th millennium BC – 6th century AD
- Kingdom of Punt (2400–1069 BC)
- Ancient Somali city–states (1000 BC – 5th century AD)
- Macrobian Kingdom (1000–500 BC)
- Kingdom of Dʿmt (980–650 BC)
- Azania (?–1st century AD) (Rhapta) (Southern Cushitic people and the Bantu expansion)
- Aksumite/Axumite Empire (R)[31] (50–937 AD) (List of kings of Axum) (preceded by various city-states)
- Empire of Zanj and the Swahili city states (50–10th century AD) (Bantu expansion and Zanj) (List of historic Swahili coast settlements)
- Kingdom of Semien/Falasha (350–351, 960–1329 AD) (Beta Israel) (only according to legend)
- Harla Kingdom (501–1500 AD)
7th century – 15th century AD
- Sultanate of Dahlak (7th century–16th century AD)
- Sultanate of Shewa/Shoa (896–1286 AD) (List of rulers of Shewa)
- Hubat (9th century–14th century AD)
- Gidaya (9th century–14th century AD)
- Hargaya (9th century–14th century AD)
- Mora (9th century–14th century AD)
- Beja Kingdoms:
- Tunni Sultanate (9th century – 13th century AD)
- Malindi Kingdom (9th century–15th century AD)
- Empire of Kitara ((D) in oral tradition, disputed by modern scholars whose accounts align with (A))[34][35][36][37] (10th century–15th century AD) (Tembuzi dynasty/Batembuzi followed by Chwezi dynasty/Bachwezi)
- Kilwa Sultanate (957–1513 AD)
- Shirazi dynasty (957–1277 AD)
- Mahdali dynasty (1277–1495 AD) succeeded by 3 Portuguese coups until 1513 AD
- Fatagar Sultanate (11th century–14th century AD)
- Gojjam (?-1316 CE)
- Kingdom of Gisaka (11th century–1854 AD) (Gesera clan), splintered into Busozo and Bushiru[38]: 517
- Sultanate of Šawah[39]: 68 (11th century–1285 AD)
- Zagwe dynasty (1137–1270 AD)
- Sultanate of Arababni (12th century–16th century AD)
- Wanga Kingdom (12th century–1895/present AD) (NSM of Kenya) (List of rulers of Wanga)
- Pate Sultanate (1203–1895 AD) (List of rulers of Pate) subordinate sultanates?:
- Kingdom of Wolaita/Welayta (1251–1896 AD) (possibly same as Damot)
- Ethiopian Empire (1270–1974 AD)
- Sultanate of Ifat (1285–1415 AD) preceded by Sultanate of Damut[40] (pre–1285 AD) (Walashma dynasty)
- Dawaro Emirate (pre–13th century/18th century AD)
- Kingdom of Damot (13th century–1317 AD) (possibly same as Wolaita) neighbouring Bizamo
- Dankali Sultanate (13th century–18th century AD)
- Ugweno/Upare Kingdom (D)[41]: 414 (13th century–15th century/1881/1962 AD) (Shana dynasty followed by Suya dynasty) (Pare people)
- Hadiya Sultanate (13th century–15th century AD, 17th century–19th century AD)
- Sultanate of Mogadishu (13th century–16th century AD)
- Sultanate of Bale/Bali[42]: 86 (13th century–16th century AD)
- Ajuran Sultanate (14th century–17th century AD) preceded by the Garen Kingdom
- Sharkha Sultanate[42]: 86 (pre–14th century AD)
- Kingdom of Kaffa (1390–1897 AD)
- Kitagwenda Kingdom (1390–1901 AD) (incorporated into Tooro)
- Early Luo Kingdoms:[43] (9 states by 1750 AD)
- Tekedi Kingdom[38]: 507 (early 15th century–mid 16th century AD)
- Palwo/Paluo/Biito/Babito kingdoms (subset of Luo)[44]
- Pawir Kingdom[43]: 381–393 [38]: 508–512 (pre 15th century AD–?) (later a province of Bunyoro)
- (Lira Paluo, Paimol; not primarily Palwo/Paluo states: Padibe, Patongo, Alur/Alero and Koc)[43]: 381–393
- Wipac Kingdom[43]: 392–393 (pre 15th century AD–?)
- Kingdom of Bunyoro (D)[18] (14th century–1899/present AD) (NSM in Uganda) (Omukama of Bunyoro) (not to be confused with Empire of Kitara)
- Ennarea/Inariya Kingdom (14th century–1710 AD) succeeded by Kingdom of Limmu–Ennarea (1801–1891 AD) (List of rulers of Ennarea)
- Busongora Kingdom[45] (14th century/1725–1906/present AD) (NSM in Uganda) (Songora people) (incorporated into Ankole)
- Adal Sultanate (1415–1555 AD)
- Kingdom of Karagwe[46] (1450–1890s/1963 AD)
- Shilluk Kingdom (A)[18]: 332–333 (1490–1861/present AD) (NSM in South Sudan)
- Nkore/Ankole Kingdom (D)[18]: 332–333 (1478–1901/1967/present AD) (NSM in Uganda) (called Nkore before 1914 when, under British administration, it was combined with several states to form Ankole)
- Angoche Sultanate (1485/1513–1910 AD)
- Alur Kingdom (R)[18]: 332–333 (1490/1630–?/present AD) (NSM in Uganda)
- Yamma/Janjero Kingdom (15th century–1894 AD)
- Sultanate of Tadjourah (15th century–1884 AD)
- Mubari Kingdom (15th century–16th century/18th century AD) (Zigaba clan)
- Busigi Kingdom[38]: 517 (15th century–?/early 20th century AD)
- Kingdom of Buzinza[47] (15th century–? AD)
- Kingdom of Buganda ((D) in 19th century)[43]: 393–395 [18]: 332–333 (late 13th century/1500–1884/present AD) (NSM in Uganda) (Kabaka of Buganda) (Lukiiko)
- Kingdom of Rwanda (D)[18]: 332–333 (1500–1897/1962/present AD) (NSM in Rwanda) (Gihanga) (preceded by Singa, Zigaba and Gesera as the oldest, Banda, Cyaba, Ongera and Enengwe)[38]: 516
16th century AD – present
- Maore Sultanate[48]: 436–438 (1500–1832/1835 AD) (List of sultans of Maore)
- Ndzuwani Sultanate[48]: 436–438 (1500–1866/1886/1912 AD) (Anjouan) (List of sultans of Ndzuwani)
- Agĩkũyũ (1512–1888/1895 AD) (Kikuyu people)
- Vazimba Kingdoms (pre–1547 AD) (uncertain regarding total) (Andriandravindravina) (Twelve sacred hills of Imerina):
- Menabe Kingdom (1540–1834 AD)
- Kingdom of Imerina/Madagascar (1540–1897/present AD) (NSM in Madagascar) (List of Imerina monarchs) (4 states emerged in the civil war, to later be reunited): (1710–1787 AD)
- Mombasa Sultanate (1547–1826 AD) (List of rulers of Mombasa)
- Kingdom of Garo/Bosha (1567–1883 AD) (List of rulers of Garo)
- Gadabuursi Ughazate (1575/1607–1884)
- Imamate of Aussa (1577–1734 AD) succeeded by Sultanate of Aussa (1734–1865/1975 AD, 1991 AD–present) (NSM in Ethiopia)
- Mäzäga (pre-16th century AD) (Ga'ewa) (conquered by Ethiopia)
- Boorana (pre 16th century–early 20th century AD) (Gadaa system of governance; republic and gerontocracy (included due to its uniqueness despite not being a kingdom))
- Busoga kingdoms ((D) for the constituents and in 16th century when it was one entity)[18]: 332–333 (AD 16th century–late 19th century/present) (NSM in Uganda) (only formed a federation in 1906 under British administration, some of its federates (32) are also NSMs in Uganda) (Kyabazinga of Busoga) (Lukiiko):
- Group of 6 kingdoms:
- Group of 5 principalities:
- Bulamogi (1550 AD–?/present)
- Bukono (pre 1656–1896/present AD)
- Luuka/Luzinga (pre 1737 AD–?/present)
- Kigulu (1737–1896 AD)
- Kigulu–Buzimba (1806–1899 AD) (split from Kigulu, later reunited under British administration)
- Bugabula
- Kingdom of Anfillo[49] (late 16th century-late 19th century)
- Kingdom of Bugesera (16th century–1799 AD) (partitioned between Rwanda and Burundi)
- Teso Kingdom[50] (A)[18]: 332–333 (16th century AD–?)
- Kayonza Kingdom[51] (16th century AD–?)
- Kingizi Kingdom[51] (16th century AD–?)
- Grande Comore Sultanates[48]: 436–438 (16th century–19th century AD): (united into Ndzuwani /Anjouan in 1886)
- Bambao, Itsandra, Mitsamihuli, Washili, Badgini/Bajini, Hambuu, Hamahame, Mbwankuu, Mbude and Domba
- Antemoro Kingdom (A) ((R) in 1800s)[48] (16th century–late 19th century AD)
- Sultanate of Rehayto (1600–1891/1902 AD) (Rahayta)
- Antankarana Kingdom (1614–1835/present AD)
- Bara/Zafamanely Kingdom (1640–1800 AD) (fractured into 3 major kingdoms and 24 minor kingdoms)
- Emirate of Harar (1647–1875/1884 AD)
- Majeerteen Sultanate (1648–1889/1927/present AD) (NSM in Somalia)
- Mahafaly Kingdoms[48] (pre 1650 AD–?): (seems they were previously united)[48]: 426
- Sakatovo (1650 AD–?)
- Menarandra (1650 AD–?)
- Linta (1670 AD–?) (split from Menarandra)
- Onilahy (1750 AD–?) (split from Menarandra)
- Kingdom of Mpororo/Ndorwa[51]: 17 (1650–1753 AD) (Hororo people) (Muhumusa) (created as buffer state between Rwanda and Busongora) succeeded by: (all were incorporated into Nkore/Ankole)
- Kingdom of Burundi/Urundi (R)[18]: 332–333 (1680–1890/1966 AD) (List of kings of Burundi)
- Kadima Chiefdom of Yimbo[52] (1680 AD–?) (Owiny people (subset of Luo))
- Boina/Iboina Kingdom (1690–1820/1840 AD)
- Bashi Kingdom (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Guingemaro (pre-17th century AD)
- Bukunzi Kingdom (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Kinkoko/Cyinkoko Kingdom[43]: 398 (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Buhoma Kingdom[43]: 398 (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Bahavu Kingdom[43]: 398 [53] (pre 17th century AD–?) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Rusubi/Ussuwi Kingdom[43]: 398 [54] (pre 17th century AD–?, ?–early 19th century AD) (seceded from Buzinza)[43]: 402 (appears to have split in two?)
- Kimwani Kingdom[55] (pre 17th century AD–?) (seceded from Buzinza) (near Biharamulo, so not the Mwani people?)[46]: 7
- Bukerebe/Ukerebe[43]: 398–402 [56] (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Betsileo Kingdoms:
- Lalangina
- Isandra
- Fandriana
- Fisakana
- Manandriana (1750–1800 AD)
- Bemba/Buddu kingdom (R)[18]: 332–333 (17th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Zambia)
- Antaisaka/Tesaka Kingdom (17th century–1853 AD)
- Cokossi/Anoufu Kingdom (17th century AD–?) (NSM in Togo)
- Anosy/Zafimanara Kingdom (17th century–19th century AD) (Zafiraminia)
- Sultanate of the Geledi (late 17th century–1902/1908 AD)
- Haya Kingdoms (R):[57][18]: 332–333 (17th century–late 19th century AD) (Kagera Region)
- Kyamtwara (pre–late 18th century AD) succeeded by Maruku, Bugabo and Lesser Kyamtwara (late 18th century–1890/1961 AD)
- Kiziba (pre–1890/1961 AD)
- Ihangiro (pre–1890/1961 AD)
- Kianja/Kiyanja/Kyanja/Kihanja (pre–1890/1961 AD)
- Acholiland (17th century AD–?) (NSM in Uganda) (60 chiefdoms in 19th century)
- Chagga states (A)[18]: 332–333 (AD 17th century–1886/1961) (37 in total):
- Siha/Kibongoto
- Machame
- Marangu
- Kibosho (Battle of Kibosho)
- others: Uru, Mbokomu, Moshi, Kirua, Kilema, Mwika, Arusha Chini, Kahe and Rombo
- Betsimisaraka Kingdom (I)[48]: 433–434 (1710–1817 AD) (preceded by Antavaratra and Antatsimo/Betanimena)
- Kingdom of Kooki (1720–1896/2004/present AD) (NSM in Uganda)
- Isaaq Sultanate (1749–1884/present AD) (NSM in Somaliland)
- Habr Yunis Sultanate (1769–1907/1917/present AD) (NSM in Somaliland)
- Shambaa/Shambala Kingdom (D)[41]: 414 (1730s–1885/present AD) (NSM in Tanzania) (Kilindi dynasty)
- Kingdom of Gumma (1770–1885/1902 AD) (List of rulers of Gumma)
- Kingdom of Jimma (1790–1884/1889/1932 AD) (List of rulers of Jimma)
- Buha Kingdoms (A)[58][18]: 332–333 (18th century–late 19th century AD):
- Heru (called Oha initially by outside traders)
- Nkalinzi/Manyovu
- Bushingo/Ushingo
- Muhambwe
- Buyungu
- Luguru/Ruguru
- Bujiji/Ujiji (Jiji people)
- Bushubi[43]: 381–393 [59]
- Buzimba Kingdom (pre 18th century–1870/1901 AD) (incorporated into Ankole)
- Buhweju Kingdom (pre 18th century–1901 AD) (incorporated into Ankole)
- Bunyaruguru Kingdom (pre 18th century–1901 AD) (incorporated into Ankole)
- Tandroy/Zafimaniry Kingdom (early 18th century–1790/? AD) (same as/separate from the Anosy Kingdom?)
- Habr Awal Sultanate (18th century–1884/present AD) (NSM in Somaliland)
- Antaifasy Kingdom (18th century–1827/1896 AD)
- Sultanate of Goba'ad (18th century–1885/? AD)
- Ufipa Kingdom (18th century AD–?) (Milanzi dynasty followed by Twa dynasty)
- Sakalava Empire (18th century–1896/present AD) (fractured into NSMs in Madagascar)
- Zafirambo/Tanala Kingdom (18th century AD) split into Manambondro and Sandrananta
- Kotokolia Kingdom (18th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Togo)
- Benzanozano Kingdom (late 18th century AD) (only had one king)
- Bassar Kingdom[60] (1800 AD–?/present)
- Tumbuka Kingdom (1805–1891/present AD) (NSM of Malawi) (Tumbuka people)
- Wituland (1810–1885/1923 AD) (List of rulers of Witu)
- Ibanda Kingdom (1814–1902 AD) (incorporated into Ankole)
- Kingdom of Gomma (early 19th century–1886 AD) (List of rulers of Gomma)
- Tooro Kingdom (R)[61] (1830–1876/present AD) (NSM in Uganda)
- Mwali Sultanate[48]: 436–438 (1830–1886/1909 AD) (Mohéli) (List of sultans of Mwali)
- Kingdom of Gera (1835–1887 AD) (List of rulers of Gera)
- Nkhotakota Sultanate (1840–1894 AD) (Nkhotakota)
- Sultanate of Zanzibar (1856–1890/1964 AD)
- Sultanate of Hobyo (1880s–1888/1927 AD)
- Tigre Kingdom[62] (pre 19th century AD–?)
- Uhehe Kingdom (19th century–1898 AD)
- Kitutu Chiefdom[52] (19th century AD)
- Usangi Kingdom (19th century–?/1962/present AD)
- Uvinza/Buvinza (19th century AD) (Vinza people)
- Nyamwezi Kingdoms: (19th century AD)
- Unyanyembe
- Ulyankulu
- Usukuma (R)[18]: 332–333 (NSM in Tanzania) (Sukuma people)
- Mirambo
- Sultanate of Biru/Girrifo[63][64] (?–early 20th century AD) (Bidu (woreda)) (Afar people#Aussa states)
- Aptidon–Guelleh dynasty[14] (1977 AD–present) (Djibouti) (MR)
West Africa
4th millennium BC – 6th century AD
- Dhar Tichitt Civilization (1600–300 BC)
- Nok Civilization (1000 BC – 300 AD)
- Djenné–Djenno Civilization (250 BC – 900 AD)
- Ghana/Wagadu Empire (200–1240 AD) (Kaya Magan Cissé) (institution of kingship was very likely to exist in Mali at this time, and in West Africa well before, due to large tumuli)[65]
- Bura Civilization (300–1300 AD)
- Takrur Kingdom (6th century–1456/1526 AD)
7th century – 15th century AD
- Aoudaghost Kingdom (?–12th century/17th century AD)
- Bainuk kingdom (7th century–13th century AD)
- Gao/Kaw Kaw Empire (D)[66] (7th century–1430 AD) (Za dynasty)
- Igbo kingdoms:
- Kingdom of Nri (948 – 1911/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Nri) (Emergence of the Ugbo) (Igbo–Ukwu)
- Nnewi Kingdom (1498–1904/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of Nnewi monarchs)
- Aguleri Kingdom
- Kingdom of Bonny (15th century–1886/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Nembe Kingdom (1639–1884/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Arochukwu and the Aro Confederacy ((F) or (I))[67] (1690–1902 AD): Arondizuogu, Ajalli, Ndikelionwu, Agbowa–Ikosi, Bonny, Opobo, Nembe and the Efik of Akwa Akpa
- Onitsha (NSM in Nigeria)
- Agbor (NSM in Nigeria) (Ika people)
- Ugbo Kingdom (NSM in Nigeria) (Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom)
- Aboh
- Oguta
- Eri Kingdom (Eri (king))
- Hausa Kingdoms
- Kingdom of Kano (999–1349 AD) succeeded by Sultanate of Kano (1350–1805 AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Gadawur Kingdom (?–15th century/present) (conquered by Kano)
- Rano (1001–1819/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Zazzau/Zaria (11th century–1808/1902/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Gobir (11th century–1803/? AD) (centre of Jihad of Usman dan Fodio)
- Katsina (A)[68]: 273–274 (1348–1807/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Maradi, Niger (19th century AD)
- Daura (?–1805/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) ("mother city")[69]: 13
- Hadejia (?–1810/1991/? AD)
- Bastard states:
- Zamfara (11th century–1804 AD)
- Kwararafa (1500–1840 AD) (kingdom or tribal confederation) (Jukun people)
- Nupe/Kede (R)[18]: 332–333 (1531–1835 AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Kebbi (A)[68]: 277–278 (?–1808 AD)
- Yauri/Yawri
- Gwari
- Kingdom of Kano (999–1349 AD) succeeded by Sultanate of Kano (1350–1805 AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Maranda Kingdom[70]: 305 (10th century AD) (Ibn al–Faqih's account)
- Takedda Kingdom (10th century–14th century AD)
- Tadmekka Kingdom[70]: 306 (10th century–14th century AD) (Tadmekka)
- Gajaaga/Galam Kingdom (1000–1858 AD)
- Yoruba Kingdoms:[71] (Oduduwa) (Yoruba Civil Wars and Kiriji War)
- Owo (1019–1893/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Ilesa/Ijesha (1150 AD–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Ila Yara (12th century-15th century AD) split in two
- Ife Empire (1200–1420 AD, ?–present) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Ife) ("mother city")[69]: 13
- Ìsèdó (13th/14th century AD–?)
- Oyo Empire (1300–1898/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Oyo)
- Ijebu (1400–1892/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Iwo (1415 AD–?/present)
- Ondo (1510–1899/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Dassa–Zoumé (1600–1889/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Dassa)
- Lagos (1600–1862/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) (Oba of Lagos)
- Bussa (pre 1730–19th century AD) (Rulers of Bussa)
- Savè/Sabe (1738–1894/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Sabe)
- Ketu/Ketou (1795–1880s/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Ketu) (Amedzofe (history))
- Ijaiye (1836–1861 AD)
- Yewa (pre–1840s AD, 1890–1914 AD)
- Egbaland (mid 19th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Ibadan (?–1893/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Akure (?–?, 1818–1854/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Badagry (1821–1863 AD)
- Others: Igbomina (Ila Orangun), Offa, Idoani Confederacy, Ipokia, Isinkan, Osogbo and Ede
- Kingdom of Diarra/Jara/Zara/Diafunu (1076–1860 AD) (at times vassal of Ghana, Mali and Kaarta)
- Sosso Empire (1076–1235 AD) (at the same time as other Ghana successors such as Diarra, Yaresna, Ghiryu, and Sama)
- Bonoman Kingdom (11th–19th century AD) (List of rulers of Bonoman)
- Namandirou (11th century–1460 AD)
- Benin Empire (1180–1897/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) preceded by Igodomigodo (List of the Ogiso)
- Mossi Kingdoms: (R)[72]: 230–232 (used agnatic succession and hereditary elective monarchy)
- Wagadugu Empire (1182–1896/present AD) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Wogodogo) preceded by Wubritenga[72]: 227
- Tenkodogo (1120 AD–?/present) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Tenkodogo)
- Fada N'Gourma/Nungu (1204–1895/present AD) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (Gurma people) (List of rulers of Nungu)
- Zondoma/Rawatenga/Yatenga (pre 1333–late 19th century/present AD) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Yatenga)
- Boussouma (NSM in Burkina Faso)
- Bilayanga
- Koala (1718 AD–?)
- Minor kingdoms (some of which constituted the Buricimba/Gulmanceba Empire):[73]: 178–180 Gurunsi, Bongandini, Con, Macakoali, Piela, (Ratenga, Zitenga),[72]: 227 Giti,[72]: 228 (Konkistenga, Yako, Téma , Mané, Kugupela, Kayao, Tatenga),[72]: 229 (Builsa, Busuma)[73]: 174
- Edem Kingdom (12th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Akpakip Oro (1200–1909 AD)
- Kingdom of Wuli (1235–1889 AD)
- Mali Empire (A)[74]: 157–171 (1235–1670 AD) (Kouroukan Fouga) preceded by Manden/Kangaba Kingdom, Pre Imperial Mali, and the kingdoms of the Twelve Doors of Mali[74]: 129 (1050–1237 AD) (NSM in Mali)
- Méma Kingdom (very autonomous vassal of Mali, once independent?) (Epic of Sundiata)
- Kingdom of Ardra/Allada (12th/13th century–1724/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Allada)
- Mankessim Kingdom (1252–1844/present AD) (NSM in Ghana) (capital of First Fante Confederacy)
- Kombo Kingdom (1271–1875 AD) (Kombo Civil War (1850–1856))
- Waalo Kingdom (1287–1855 AD)
- Kingdom of Ugu (13th century-?/present) (split from Igodomigodo)
- Ahanta Kingdom (13th century–1656/19th century AD)
- Jolof Empire (13th century–1549 AD) succeeded by Kingdom of Jolof (1549–1890 AD)
- Kingdom/Imamate of Wala (1317 AD–?)
- Akyem Kingdoms:
- Adansi Kingdom (14th century–18th century AD) (List of rulers of Adansi) constituent states seceded after Ashanti conquest, (all conquered by Denkyira in 1680s?):[75]: 212
- Akyem Abuakwa (14th century AD–?) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akyem Abuakwa)
- Akyem Kotoku (14th century AD–?) (List of rulers of Akyem Kotoku)
- Akyem Bosome (1831 AD–?) (List of rulers of Akyem Bosomoe)
- Adansi Kingdom (14th century–18th century AD) (List of rulers of Adansi) constituent states seceded after Ashanti conquest, (all conquered by Denkyira in 1680s?):[75]: 212
- Kingdom of Sine (14th–19th century AD)
- Kingdom of Niani (14th century-late 19th century AD)
- Songhai Empire (14th century–1591 AD)
- Sonni dynasty (14th century–1493 AD)
- Askiya dynasty (1493–1591 AD) succeeded by Dendi Kingdom (1591–1901 AD)
- Sultanate of Agadez (1404–1500 AD, 1591–1906/present AD) (NSM in Niger)
- Kingdom of Dagbon (1409–1896/present AD) (NSM in Ghana) (List of kings of Dagbon)
- Mamprugu Kingdom (A)[76] (1450 AD–?/present) (Mamprusi) (NSM in Burkina Faso)
- Kingdom of Warri/Iwere (1480 AD–?/present) (NSM of Nigeria)
- Empire of Great Fulo (1490–1776 AD) succeeded by Imamate of Futa Toro (1776–1859 AD) (List of rulers of Futa Toro), all preceded by Futa Kingui (1464–1490 AD)
- Kingdom of Saloum (1494–1871/1969 AD)
- Kingdom of Baddibu[77][78] (pre–1861 AD) (Central Baddibu and Lower Baddibu in Gambia)
- Bron/Begho Kingdom[79]: 337 (pre 15th century–19th century AD)
- Walata Kingdom (pre 15th century AD–?)
- Kingdom of Niumi/Barra (15th century–1897/1911 AD) (Barra War)
- Urhobo Kingdoms: (15th century AD–?)
- Kasa/Kasanga Kingdom (15th century–1830 AD)
- Ado Kingdom (15th century–1891 AD)
- Notsé Kingdom (15th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Togo) (Togbe Agorkoli)
- Nanumba Kingdom (15th century AD–?) (Bimbilla)
- Asebu Kingdom (15th century AD–?) (Asebu Amanfi)
- Simpa/Fetu/Winneba Kingdom[79]: 337 (15th century–1720/? AD) (Winneba) (King Ghartey IV)
- Eguafo/Aguafo Kingdom[79]: 337 [80] (15th century AD–?) (Fante people)
16th century AD – present
- Okrika/Wakirike Kingdom (?–1913 AD)
- Agona/Denkyira Kingdom (1500–1701 AD) (List of rulers of Denkyira)
- Kingdom of Koya/Temne/Quoja (1505–1896 AD)
- Igala Kingdom (1507–1900/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Kingdom of Gã (1510 AD–?/present) (Gã Mantse) (King Okaikoi and Dode Akaabi)
- Yamta/Biu Kingdom (1535–1740 AD)
- Kaabu Empire (1537–1867 AD)
- Kingdom of Cayor (1549–1879 AD) (Lat Soukabé Ngoné Fall united Cayor with Baol from 1697 to 1720)
- Kingdom of Baol (1555–1874 AD) (Lat Soukabé Ngoné Fall united Cayor with Baol from 1697 to 1720)
- Kingdom of Savalou (1557–1769/1894/present AD) (NSM in Benin)
- Akwamu Kingdom (1560–1733/present AD) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akwamu and Twifo) preceded by Twifo Kingdom (1480–1560 AD)
- Kingdom of Whydah/Ouidah (1580–1727/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Whydah)
- Pashalik of Timbuktu (A) (to (I) in the late 17th century)[81] (1591–1833 AD) (Arma people)
- Djenné, Gao and either Bamba, Mopti or Bamba, Gao Region were very autonomous with only nominal Timbuktu rule
- Tougana Kingdom (1591 AD–?) and Gorouol Kingdom
- Kingdom of Bissau (pre 16th century–1915/present AD) (NSM in Guinea–Bissau)
- Kingdom of the Sapes[82][83] (AD pre–16th century) (mentioned in Mane people) (exonym, not sure of alternative/native name as they were multiethnic) succeeded by: (History of Sierra Leone)
- Baté Empire (16th century–19th century AD)
- Idoma Kingdom[84]
- Gonja Kingdom (R) (to (I) in the 19th century)[85] (16th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Ghana) (Yagbongwura) (Yagbum) (1892 Sack of Salaga)
- Huba/Kilba Kingdom[86] (16th century–1904 AD)
- Biafada Kingdoms:
- Guinala/Quinala (pre 15th century AD–?) (vassal of Kaabu)
- Biguba
- Bissege (Bissagos Islands?)
- Kingdom of Dwaben/Dwabeng (1600/1874 AD–?) (List of rulers of Dwaben)
- Kingdom of Dahomey (1600–1900/present AD) (NSM in Benin)
- Agaja dynasty[87] (1600–1818 AD)
- Ghezo dynasty (1818–1900 AD)
- Emirate of Trarza (1640–1902/present AD) (NSM in Mauritania)
- Emirate of Tagant (17th century–19th century AD) (NSM in Mauritania) (mentioned in Trarza)
- Emirate of Brakna[88]: 142 (17th century–19th century AD) (mentioned in Trarza)
- Kénédougou Kingdom (1650–1898 AD)
- Gyaman/Jamang/Abron Kingdom (1650–1888/1897 AD) (List of rulers of Gyaman)
- Kingdom of Kaarta (1650–1890/1904 AD)
- Lafia Kingdom (1650 AD–?/present)
- Asante/Ashanti Empire (F)[18]: 332–333 (1670/1701–1902 AD, 1935–1957/present AD) (NSM in Ghana) (Golden Stool) (List of rulers of Asante)
- Imamate of Nasr ad–Din (1673–1674 AD) (Char Bouba/Mauritanian Thirty Years' War)
- Khasso/Xaaso Kingdom (1681–1880 AD)
- Bundu Kingdom (1690–1858 AD)
- Sefwi Kingdoms:[75]: 211 (pre 17th century AD–?)
- Assini
- Abripiquem
- Ankobra
- Nzima Kingdom[75]: 213 (18th century AD–?) (formed by combining Abripiquem, Ankobra and Jomoro)
- Peda/Popo kingdom/s:
- Grand Popo/Pla/Hulagan Kingdom (pre 17th century AD–?) and Djanglanmey
- Little Popo/Gen/Glidji/Aného Kingdom (17th century–1885 AD) (NSM in Togo)
- Aghwey/Agoué (19th century AD)
- Lafia Chiefdom/Emirate (17th century AD–?/present)
- Kingdom of Sukur/Margi (17th century AD–?) (Margi people)
- Aowin Kingdom (?–?/present) (NSM in Ghana)
- Wémè Kingdom[89] (17th century–18th century AD) (Ouémé Department of Benin)
- Hogbonu Kingdom[90] (17th century–1863/1908/present AD) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Hogbonu (Porto–Novo))
- Kalabari Kingdom (pre 1699–1900/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Ewe Kingdoms:[75]: 212 (pre–1710/? AD) (conquered by Akwamu)
- Kong Empire (1710–1894 AD)
- Bamana Empire of Segu/Segou (1712–1861 AD)
- Gwiriko Kingdom (1714–1897/1915 AD)
- Bethio Principality (1724 AD–?/present) (NSM in Senegal)
- Imamate of Futa Jallon (1725–1896/1912 AD) (Fugumba)
- Akropong–Akuapem Kingdom (1730 AD–?/present) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akuapem)
- Kingdom of Baule (1730–1893/present AD) (NSM in Côte d'Ivoire)
- Anyi kingdoms:[75]: 212–213 (18th century–19th century AD)
- Dosso Kingdom (1750–1849 AD, 1856–1898/present AD) (NSM in Niger)
- Gumel Chiefdom (1750–1754/present AD)
- Akwa Akpa (1786–1896/present AD)(NSM in Nigeria)
- Lebou Republic[91] (1790–1857/present AD) (Lebu people)
- Solima Kingdom[92][88]: 148 (18th century–1884 AD) (Yalunka people)
- Kunaari (18th century-19th century AD)
- Sankaran Kingdom[88]: 148–149 (18th century AD–?) (referred to in Fugumba)
- Bariba kingdoms: (18th century–19th century AD) (Borgu) (further clarification needed)
- Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1904/present AD) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of sultans of Sokoto) (had many emirates as vassals, which continue to exist to the present day as NSMs) (Fula jihads)
- Massina Empire (1818–1862 AD)
- Emirate of Say (1825-? AD)
- Ijaiye (1836-1861 AD)
- Jere/Qeko Kingdom (1840 AD–?/present) (NSM in Malawi and Zambia) (List of rulers of Jere)
- Kabadougou Kingdom (1848–1898/1980 AD)
- Toucouleur Empire (1852–1893 AD)
- Zabarma Emirate (1860–1897 AD)
- Fuladu Kingdom[93] (1867–1903/present AD) (NSM in the Gambia)
- Wassoulou Empire (1878–1898 AD) predeceded by Wasulu (mid 17th century AD–?)
- Dubreka Kingdom[94] (pre–1885/1906 AD)
- Kissi Kingdom (19th century AD) (Kissi Kaba Keita)
- Kiang Kingdom (19th century AD)
- Jimara Kingdom[93][95] (19th century AD)
- Tomani Kingdom[93][95] (19th century AD)
- Kantora Kingdom[93][95] (19th century AD)
- Niamina Kingdom[96][95] (19th century AD)
- Foni Kingdom[96][95] (19th century AD)
- Eropina Kingdom[95] (19th century AD)
- Opobo (19th century AD) (Jaja of Opobo)
- Gnassingbé dynasty[13] (1967 AD–present) (Togo) (MR)
Central Africa
4th millennium BC – 6th century AD
- Sao Civilization (6th century BC – 16th century AD)
- Ekoi Civilisation[97] (pre 2nd century–7th/13th century AD) (Ikom monoliths)
7th century – 15th century AD
- Kanem Empire (R)[98] (692–1380 AD) succeeded by Bornu Empire (R)[99] (1380–1893 AD) (NSM in Nigeria)
- Duguwa/Zaghawa dynasty (700–1085 AD)
- Sayfawa dynasty (1085–1846 AD) succeeded by Rabih az–Zubayr
- Tikar Fondoms/Kingdoms: (preceded by Nganha and the Mbum people (Mbum language))
- Tinkala (1201 AD–?)
- Bamkin
- Ngambè–Tikar
- First wave:
- Bamum (1394–1884/1916/present AD) (NSM in Cameroon) (List of rulers of the Bamum)
- Nditam/Bandam
- Ngoumé
- Gâ (not to be confused with Ga–Adangbe)
- Nso (pre 1387–1884/present AD) (NSM in Cameroon)
- Second wave:
- Kong (not Kong Empire)
- Kom[100] (NSM in Cameroon)
- Ndu (Second degree NSM in Cameroon)
- Bankim
- Vungu (pre 13th century-?)
- Mpemba[101] (pre 13th century-14th century) included the kingdoms of Mpemba Kasi and Vunda
- Kakongo (pre 13th century-1885 AD)
- Ngoyo (pre 13th century-1885 AD)
- Kibunga[101]: 29 (?-14th century AD)
- Seven Kingdoms of Kongo dia Nlaza (pre 13th century-16th century AD) included the kingdoms of Mbata, Mpangu, and Nsundi
- Kingdom of Kongo ((D) in the 16th century)[18]: 332–333 ((A) in the 17th century)[18]: 332–333 (1390–1678 AD, 1691–1857/1914 AD, 1915–1975/present AD) (NSM in Angola)
- Kongo Civil War: (1665–1709 AD) led to Kongo fracturing into smaller kingdoms, to be later reunited by Pedro IV of Kongo:
- Kibangu (Manuel I of Kibangu)
- Lemba (João II of Lemba)
- Nsonso/Nkondo (Afonso II of Kongo and Nkondo) (assuming Nsonso/Sonso and Nkondo are the same)
- Mbamba Lovata (Manuel II of Kongo)
- Kongo Civil War: (1665–1709 AD) led to Kongo fracturing into smaller kingdoms, to be later reunited by Pedro IV of Kongo:
- Bamileke Fondoms/Kingdoms (I):[18]: 332–333 (pre 14th century AD–?) (over 100 in total)
- Mwene Muji[102][103]: ix (c. 1400-?)
- Sultanate of Yao/Bulala (15th century–1890 AD) (Yao) (held Kanem and Njimi for a century)
- Nsanga[101]: 30 (?-15th century CE)
- Masinga[101]: 30 (?-15th century CE)
- Wembo[101]: 31 (?-15th/16th century CE)
- Wandu[101]: 31 (?-15th century CE)
- Mandara Kingdom (15th century–1893/present AD) (NSM in Cameroon)
- Ibom/Mbot Abasi Kingdom (Second degree NSM in Cameroon) (Aro–Ibibio Wars) preceded by Akwa Akpa (Ibibio) (not Akwa Akpa (Efik))
- Dembos[103]: ix (pre-1550-?) (confederation composed of 15 states)
- Kisama[103]: ix (pre-1550-?)
- Suku[104][103]: ix (pre-1550-?) (Suku people)
- Kingdom of Matamba (pre-1550-1744 AD)
- Nsonso (pre-1550-?)
- Okango[103]: ix (pre-1550-?)
- Anziku/Tio/Teke Kingdom (A)[105][103]: ix (pre-1506-1880)
16th century AD – present
- Kasanze Kingdom (1500-1648 AD)
- Mbunda Kingdom (1500–1917/present AD) (NSM in Angola) (Rulers of Mbundaland)
- Wadai Empire (1501–1912/present AD) (NSM in Chad) (List of rulers of Wadai)
- Dar Runga as a vassal
- Sultanate of Bagirmi (1522–1897/present AD) (NSM in Chad) (List of rulers of Bagirmi)
- Kingdom of Bandjoun/Baleng (1545 AD–?/present) (NSM in Cameroon)
- Kingdom of Loango (1550–1883/present AD) (NSM in Republic of the Congo) (Nzari)
- Luba Empire (I)[106][18]: 332–333 (1585–1885/present AD) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo) (List of rulers of Luba) vassals (once independent):
- Duala Kingdom (16th century–1879 AD) (Douala) (Monneba) (List of rulers of the Duala)
- Kingdom of Ndongo/Ngola (16th century–1671/1909/present AD) (NSM in Angola) (List of Ngolas of Ndongo)
- Humbe Kingdom[107]: 570 (16th century AD–?) (Nyanyeka)
- Muzumbu a Kalungu[108] (16th century AD-?)
- Ovimbundo Kingdoms:[109] (missing one)
- Kulembe[110] (16th century AD–?) (near Libolo) (ill remembered, likely to be Ovimbundo)[107]: 570
- Bailundo (1700–1770/present AD) (NSM in Angola)
- Viye/Bie (1700 AD–?/present) (NSM in Angola)
- Wambu/Huambo/Hambo/Huamba (NSM in Angola)
- Ciyaka/Quiyaca/Quiaca
- Ngalangi/Galangue
- Civula/Quibula
- Ndulu/Andulo/Ondulo/Ondura
- Cingolo/Quingolo (?–1770 AD/?)
- Kalukembe/Caluqembe/Caluguembe/Caluqueme (pre 1740 AD–?)
- Sambu
- Ekekete/Quiquete
- Kakonda/Cilombo–conoma/Caconda/Quilombo
- Citata/Quitata
- Kotoko kingdom (16th century–19th century AD) vassals:
- Benguela Kingdom[111] (16th century–1615/present AD)
- Kasanje Kingdom (1620–1910/present AD) (NSM in Angola) preceded by Imbangala
- Kuba Kingdom (A)[18]: 332–333 (1625–1884/present AD) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Kingdom of Matamba (1631–1744 AD)
- Kingdom of Bavira (1645 AD–?/present) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Soyo Kingdom (1650 AD–?)
- Empire of Lunda (I)[106][18]: 332–333 (1665–1887/present AD) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo) preceded by Rund Kingdom[106]
- Kingdom of Mbwila (pre 17th century AD–?) (generally maintained independence by playing Portuguese Angola and Kongo off of one another)
- Kingdom of Bouna (17th century AD–?)
- Yaka Kingdom[112] (17th century–19th century AD) (Yaka people)
- Boma Kingdom (17th century–19th century AD)
- Kingdom of Orungu (1700–1873/1927/present AD) (NSM in Gabon) (List of rulers of Orungu)
- Sultanate of Damagaram (1731–1899 AD) (NSM of Niger)
- Kazembe Kingdom (A)[18]: 332–333 (1740–1894/present AD) (NSM in Zambia) (Eastern Lunda)
- Fondom of Bafut (?–1907/present AD) (NSM in Cameroon)
- Mankon Fondom (1799–1901/present AD) (NSM in Cameroon)
- Bangassou Sultanate (pre 18th century AD–?/present) (NSM in Central African Republic)
- Yao chiefdoms/kingdoms:[113] (pre 18th century AD–?) (NSM in Malawi) (Shire Highlands)
- Azande Kingdom (R)[18]: 332–333 (18th century AD–1905/present) (NSM in South Sudan)
- Kingdom of Agwe (1812–1895/present AD)
- Zande sultanates:[114] (19th century AD)
- Sultanate of Zemio (1823–?/1923 AD)
- Sultanate of Rafaï
- Other sultans?: Tikima, Sara, Ndoruma, Wando, Jabir, Mopoi, Engwetra, Yapati, Ngange and Bazingbi (unclear which were chiefs in the Azande Kingdom and which were independent sultans at one point)[114]
- Dar al Kuti Sultanate (1830–1911 AD) (NSM in Central African Republic)
- Yeke Kingdom (1856–1891 AD)
- Sultanate of Utetera (1860–1887 AD) (Tippu Tip)
- Kingdom of Rabih az–Zubayr (1880s–1900 AD) (conquered the Bornu Empire)
- South Kasai (1960–1962 AD) (monarchy proclaimed in 1961)
- Bongo dynasty[12] (1967–2023 AD) (Gabon) (MR)
- Central African Empire (1976–1979 AD)
Southern Africa
7th century – 15th century AD
- Mapela (1055-1400 AD)
- Kingdom of Mapungubwe (1220-1300 AD) preceded by Leopard's Kopje and K2
- Kingdom of Zimbabwe ((R)[a] and (A)[b])[115] (1300–1450 AD)
- Mpondo kingdom (traditionally 1226 AD–?/present) (NSM in South Africa)
- Xhosa Kingdom (traditionally 13th century–1879/present AD) (NSM in South Africa) (List of Xhosa kings)
- Hlubi Kingdom (1300 AD–?/present) (NSM in South Africa)
- Empire of Mutapa/Mwenemutapa (I)[116] (1430–1760 AD) (succeeded by Chidama/Chidima (1760–1917 AD)) (preceded by Vakaranga) vassals:
- Barue/Barwe (later independent)
- Kingdom of Butua (1450–1683 AD) (Torwa dynasty)
- Empire of Maravi (I)[117] (1480–1891/present AD) (NSM in Zambia)
- Ndau Kingdoms: (pre–15th century AD) (conquered by Mutapa)
16th century AD – present
- Ngulube Kingdoms:[117]: 300–301 (16th century AD–?)
- Ulambya Kingdom[120]: 55–66 (Lambya people)
- Ngonde Kingdom[121][122] (A)[18]: 332–333 (1600 AD–?) (NSM in Malawi) (southern Nyakyusa people)
- Chifungwe Kingdom (Fungwe people in Mafinga District)[123][124]
- Sukwa Kingdom[122]: 135 (Sukwa people)
- others: (Kameme, Misuku, Mwaphoka Mwambele, Kanyenda, Kabunduli, Kaluluma, and Chulu)[117]: 309
- Maungwe Chiefdom (1635–1896 AD)
- Ovambo kingdoms (R):[125][126] (16th century–late 19th/early 20th century AD)
- Ondonga (1650 AD–?/present) (NSM in Namibia) (split into Oshitambi and Onamayongo during civil war (1885–1908 AD))[125]: 146 (List of Ondonga kings)
- Uukwanyama[127] (NSM in Namibia) (Battle of the Cunene) (Mandume ya Ndemufayo)
- Ongandjera (?–?/present) (NSM in Namibia)
- Uukwaluudhi (pre 1850 AD–?/present) (NSM in Namibia) (List of Uukwaluudhi kings)
- Uukwambi (NSM in Namibia)
- Uukolonkadhi/Uukolonkathi (NSM in Namibia)
- Ombadja (NSM in Namibia) (Mbadja people)
- Evale[125]: 124–130
- Ombalantu (I) ((D) in the short reign of Kampaku)[125]: 135–137 (NSM in Namibia)
- May not be Ovambo or kingdoms: Eunda/Ehanda, Ombwenge (short–lived invasion of Ondonga),[125]: 116 (Oukwanka/Onkwanka, Okafima, Oukumbi/Onkumbi, Eshinga, Okavango),[125]: 122
- Barotse Kingdom (16th century–1889/present AD) (NSM in Zambia)
- Southern Ndebele Kingdoms:
- Ndebele (16th century AD–?) split into:
- Manala (NSM in South Africa)
- Ndzundza (NSM in South Africa)
- Ndebele (16th century AD–?) split into:
- Rozwi Empire ((R)[a] and (A)[b])[128] (1660–1866 AD)
- Manica/Manyika Kingdom[119] (pre 1695–19th century AD) (Manica Province) (conquered by Mutapa)
- Singo state[129][130] (17th century–late 18th century AD) split into three states (closely associated with the Venda)
- Maramuca/Mocaranga/Botango Kingdom[131] (17th century AD–?)
- Red Nation Chiefdom (1710–1905/present AD) (NSM in Namibia)
- Swaziland/Eswatini (1745 AD–present) (SM of Eswatini) (List of monarchs of Eswatini)
- Tswana kingdoms:
- Ngwaketse (1750–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana)
- Barolong (1760–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana)
- Ngwato (1780–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana)
- Batlôkwa (1780–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana and South Africa) (List of rulers of Tlôkwa)
- Batawana (1795–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana)
- Batlhaping (18th century AD–?)
- Balete (pre 1805–1885/present AD) (NSM in Botswana) (List of rulers of Lete (Malete))
- Ndwandwe Kingdom (1780–1819 AD)
- Kavango kingdoms:
- Mthethwa Empire (18th century–1820 AD)
- Nkhamanga Kingdom (18th century-? AD)
- Royal Bafokeng Nation (18th century AD–?/present) (NSM in South Africa)
- Marota/Pedi Kingdom (late 18th century–1882 AD, 1885 AD–present) (NSM in South Africa) (Pedi people) (Mampuru II)
- Lozi Kingdom (I)[18]: 332–333 (18th/19th century AD)
- Balodebu Kingdom (1800 AD–?/present) (NSM in South Africa) (Rain Queen)
- Ngoni Kingdom (1815-1857/present AD)
- Zulu Kingdom (D)[132] (1816–1897/present AD) (NSM in South Africa)
- Lesotho (1822 AD–present) (SM of Lesotho) (List of monarchs of Lesotho)
- Gaza Empire (1824–1895 AD)
- Kingdom of Mthwakazi/Ndebele (1840–1895 AD) (Northern Ndebele people)
- Mafwe Chiefdom (pre 1851 AD–?/present) (NSM in Namibia)
- Thembu Kingdom (pre–1885 AD/present) (NSM in South Africa)
- Khowesin Chiefdom (19th century AD–1905/present) (NSM in Namibia) (Hendrik Witbooi (Namaqua chief))
Unplaced or undated kingdoms/sultanates
- Sultanate of Dara[133]: 349 or Dara (woreda) (existed in 13th century) (likely never independent?)[39]: 72–80 near Ethiopia.
- Sultanate of Sara/Sarha[133]: 349 (existed in 13th century) (likely never independent?)[39]: 72–80 near Ethiopia.
- Toubou Sultanate (seen multiple references to them from various time periods, but nothing concrete)
- Silcis sultanate
See also
- History of Africa
- List of kingdoms and royal dynasties
- List of former sovereign states
- List of Muslim states and dynasties
- List of current non–sovereign African monarchs
- List of Nigerian traditional states
- Monarchies in Africa
- Chiefdom
- Confederation
- List of confederations
- Category:Lists of rulers in Africa
- Category:Archaeological sites in Africa
- Category:Archaeological sites in Gran Canaria
Bibliography
- 'History periods':
- General History of Africa: Volume 1 Methodology and African Historiography, chapters 1-10. UNESCO Publishing. 1981.
- Vansina, Jan (1971). "Once upon a Time: Oral Traditions as History in Africa". Daedalus. 100 (2). MIT Press: 442–468. JSTOR 20024011.
- Vansina, Jan (1985). Oral Tradition as History. The University of Wisconsin Press. ISBN 0299102106.
- 'Comparison between kingdoms':
- Vansina, Jan (October 1962). "A Comparison of African Kingdoms". Africa. 32 (4): 324–335. doi:10.2307/1157437. JSTOR 1157437. S2CID 143572050.
- Lapidus, Ira (2014). A History of Islamic Societies (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-139-99150-6.
Further reading
References
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African empires is an umbrella term used in African studies to refer to a number of pre-colonial African kingdoms in Africa with multinational structures incorporating various populations and polities into a single entity, usually through conquest.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Listed below are known African empires and their respective capital cities.
The Wabongo kingdom, with its capital in Bokanga, in the Lobaye region (South West Central African Republic)
Historical developmentEdit
Sahelian kingdomsEdit
The Sahelian kingdoms were a series of medieval empires centred on the Sahel, the area of grasslands south of the Sahara.
- The first major state to rise in this region was the Ghana Empire (Wagadu). The name Ghana, often used by historians, was the regnal title given to the ruler of the Wagadu empire.[8] Centered in what is today Senegal and Mauritania, it was the first to benefit from the introduction of gold mining. Ghana dominated the region between about 750 and 1078. Smaller states in the region at this time included Takrur to the west, the Malinke kingdom of Mali to the south, and the Songhai Empire centred on Gao to the east.
- When Ghana collapsed in the face of invasion from the Almoravids, a series of brief kingdoms followed, notably that of the Sosso (Susu); after 1235, the Mali Empire rose to dominate the region. Located on the Niger River to the west of Ghana in what is today Niger and Mali, it reached its peak in the 1350s, but had lost control of a number of vassal states by 1400.
- The most powerful of these states was the Songhai Empire, which expanded rapidly beginning with king Sonni Ali in the 1460s. By 1500, it had risen to stretch from Cameroon to the Maghreb, the largest state in African history. It too was quite short-lived and collapsed in 1591 as a result of Moroccan musketry.
- Far to the east, on Lake Chad, the state of Kanem-Bornu, founded as Kanem in the 9th century, now rose to greater preeminence in the central Sahel region. To their west, the loosely united Hausa city-states became dominant. These two states coexisted uneasily, but were quite stable.
- In 1810, the Sokoto Caliphate rose and conquered the Hausa, creating a more centralized state. It and Kanem-Bornu would continue to exist until the arrival of Europeans, when both states would fall and the region would be divided between France and Great Britain.
- The Jolof Empire ruled parts of Senegal from 1350 to 1549. After 1549, its vassal states were fully or de facto independent; in this period it is known as the Jolof Kingdom. It was largely conquered by the imamate of Futa Jallon in 1875 and its territories fully incorporated into French West Africa by 1890.
Empires of 15th–19th century AfricaEdit
From the 15th century until the final Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century a number of empires were also established south of the Sahel, especially in West Africa.
West AfricaEdit
The West African empires of this period peaked in power in the late 18th century, paralleling the peak of the Atlantic slave trade. These empires implemented a culture of permanent warfare in order to generate the required numbers of captives required to satisfy the demand for slaves by the European colonies. With the gradual abolition of slavery in the European colonial empires during the 19th century, slave trade again became less lucrative and the West African empires entered a period of decline, and mostly collapsed by the end of the 19th century.[9]
- The Kingdom of Dagbon was founded by the Red Hunter Tohazee circa 11th Century. The Kingdom is one of the largest and oldest in modern Ghana.
- The Kingdom of Nri was unusual in the history of world government in that its leader exercised no military power over his subjects. The kingdom existed as a sphere of religious and political influence over much of Igboland, and was administered by a priest–king called the eze Nri. The eze Nri managed trade and diplomacy on behalf of the Igbo people, and was the possessor of divine authority in religious matters.
- The Oyo Empire (1400–1895) was a West African empire of what is today western Nigeria. The empire was established by the Yoruba in the 15th century and grew to become one of the largest West African states. It rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its possession of a powerful cavalry. The Oyo Empire was the most politically important state in the region from the mid-17th to the late 18th century, holding sway not only over other Yoruba states, but also over the Fon kingdom of Dahomey (located in the state now known as the Republic of Benin).
- Benin Empire (1240–1897), a pre-colonial African empire of modern Nigeria. The empire once stretched to present day Ghana ruled by sky kings ( OGISO ) in the first dynasty and by OBAS in the second dynasty. It was the first kingdom to come in contact with the Europeans.
- Kaabu Empire (1537–1867), a Mandinka Kingdom of Senegambia (centered on modern northeastern Guinea-Bissau but extending into Casamance, Senegal) that rose to prominence in the region thanks to its origins as a former province of the Mali Empire. After the decline of the Mali Empire, Kaabu became an independent kingdom.
- Aro Confederacy (1690–1902), a trading union orchestrated by the Igbo subgroup, the Aro people, centered in Arochukwu in present-day Southeastern Nigeria.
- Bonoman (11th century–19th century), earliest known Akan state. Gold trading and Kola nut trading with Northern Neighbors brought wealth and prosperity to Akan creators of this state. Culture influenced much of modern Akan culture.
- Gbokpoe Dynasty was founded in 1700. This dynasty ruled Djanglanmey, Grand-popo. In the region this clan was the famous slave trader.
- The Kingdom of Wémè was founded during the height of the slave trade in the late 17th century. Nowadays it is centred in modern-day Benin, ruled by its own traditional legitimate monarch in the Ouémé Valley.
- Ashanti Empire (1701–1894), a pre-colonial Akan West African state of what is now the Ashanti Region in Ghana. The empire stretched from central Ghana to present day Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, bordered by the Dagomba kingdom to the north and Dahomey to the east. Today, the Ashanti monarchy continues as one of the constitutionally protected, sub-national traditional states within the Republic of Ghana.
- Various states by Akan people (11th century–19th century)
- Kong Empire (1710–1898) centered in north eastern Côte d’Ivoire that also encompassed much of present-day Burkina Faso.
- Bamana Empire (1712–1896), based at Ségou, now in Mali. It was ruled by the Kulubali or Coulibaly dynasty established c. 1640 by Fa Sine also known as Biton-si-u. The empire existed as a centralized state from 1712 to the 1861 invasion of Toucouleur conqueror El Hadj Umar Tall.
- Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1903), an Islamic empire in Nigeria, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar. Founded during the Fulani Jihad in the early 19th century, it was one of the most powerful empires in sub-Saharan Africa prior to European conquest and colonization. The caliphate remained extant through the colonial period and afterwards, though with reduced power.
- Wassoulou Empire (1878–1898), a short-lived empire built from the conquests of Dyula ruler Samori Ture and destroyed by the French colonial army.
- Akwa Akpa Duke Town, originally known as Atakpa is an Efik city-state that flourished in the 19th century in what is now southern Nigeria. The City State extended from now Calabar to Bakassi in the east and Oron to the west.
- Ife Empire (1200 – 1420) The Ife Empire was the first empire in Yoruba history. It was founded in what is now southwestern Nigeria and eastern Benin today. The Ife Empire lasted from 1200 to 1420. Its capital city, Ilé-Ife, was one of the largest urban centers, the biggest emporium, and the wealthiest polity south of the Niger River during the mid-14th-century.
Central AfricaEdit
- The Kongo Kingdom (1400–1888) was a quasi-imperial state as is evident by the number of people and kingdoms that paid it tribute. If not for the large amount of text written by the EssiKongo that repeatedly called themselves a kingdom, they would be listed as the “Kongo Empire”.
- The Luba Empire (1585–1885) arose in the marshy grasslands of the Upemba Depression in what is now southern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Lunda Empire (1660–1887) in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, north-eastern Angola and northwestern Zambia. Its central state was in Katanga.
- Central African Empire (1976–79) was a short-lived and self-stylised ‘Imperial’ one-party state ruled by an absolute monarch that replaced the Central African Republic and was, in turn, replaced by the restoration of the Republic.
Southern AfricaEdit
The Mutapa Empire or Empire of Great Zimbabwe (1450–1629) was a medieval kingdom located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers of Southern Africa in the modern states of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Remnants of the historical capital are found in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
- Zulu Kingdom
- Maravi Empire or Marawi or Merowi or Merowe/ Meroe Empire. Not to be confused with Ancient Meroe.
- Kingdom of Mapungubwe
- Rozvi Empire
- Xhosa Kingdom
East AfricaEdit
- The Empire of Kitara in the area of the African Great Lakes has long been treated as a historical entity[10]
- The Buganda Kingdom (1500–present), home of the Buganda people of Uganda
- The medieval Swahili city-states
- The Wanga Kingdom, home of the Wanga (AbaWanga) tribe of the Luhya people. The largest empire in precolonial Kenya[11]
Horn of AfricaEdit
- Ancient land of Punt (2500 BC)
- Ancient Barbara/Barbaroi cities and states mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century).
- Opone/Xāfūn (1000 BC – 5th century AD)
- Mundus/Xīs
- Mosylon/Bōsāso
- Malao/Berbera
- Nikon/Būr Gābo
- Sarapion/Muqdisho
- Kingdom of Aksum (1st century – 9th century)
- Kingdom of Bazin (9th century)
- Kingdom of Belgin (9th century)
- Kingdom of Jarin (9th century)
- Kingdom of Qita’a (9th century)
- Kingdom of Nagash (9th century)
- Kingdom of Tankish (9th century)
- Sultanate of Mogadishu (10th century – 16th century)
- Ethiopian Empire (1137–1974)
- Zagwe dynasty (1137–1270)
- Solomonic dynasty (1270–1974)
- Sultanate of Ifat (1285–1415)
- Isaaq Sultanate (17th century –1884)
- Ajuran Sultanate (1300s–1700s)
- Adal Sultanate (1415–1555)
- Sultanate of Harar (1526–1577)
- Emirate of Harar (1647–1887)
- Sultanate of the Geledi (late 17th century – late 19th century)
- Majeerteen Sultanate (mid-18th century – early 20th century)
- Sultanate of Aussa (1734–present)
- Kingdom of Gomma (early 1800s–1886)
- Kingdom of Jimma (1830–1932)
- Kingdom of Gumma (1840–1902)
- Sultanate of Hobyo (1880s–1920s)
- Dervish state (1896–1920)
North AfricaEdit
Ancient North African empiresEdit
Pre-Islamic empires of North Africa:
- Kingdom of Kerma (2500–1500 BC)
- Ancient Egypt (3100–650 BC)
- Kingdom of Kush (1070 BC–350 AD)
- Ancient Carthage (575–146 BC)
- Kingdom of Numidia (202 BC–40 BC)
Islamic North African empiresEdit
- In Algeria:
- Rustamid dynasty (776-909)
- Banu Ifran dynasty (830–1040)
- Zirid dynasty (947–1090)
- Fatimid dynasty (909 1171)
- Hammadid dynasty (1014–1152)
- Kingdom of Tlemcen (1235 – 1554)
- Kingdom of Ait Abbas (1510 – 1872)
- Kingdom of Kuku (1515 – 1638)
- Ottoman Algeria (1515–1830)
- In Morocco:
- Idrisid dynasty (789–974)
- Almoravid dynasty (1061–1145)
- Almohad dynasty (1145–1244)
- Marinid dynasty (1244–1465)
- Wattasid dynasty (1471–1554)
- Saadi dynasty (1554-1666)
- Alaouite dynasty (1666–present)
- In Tunisia:
- Aghlabid dynasty (800-909)
- Fatimid dynasty (Tunisian period) (921–969)
- Zirid dynasty (973–1148)
- Hafsid dynasty (1229–1574)
- Husainid dynasty (1705-1881)
- In Egypt:
- Tulunid dynasty (868–905)
- Ikhshidid dynasty (935–969)
- Fatimid dynasty (Egyptian period) (969–1171)
- Ayyubid dynasty (1171–1254)
- Mamluk dynasty (1250–1517)
- In Sudan:
- The Sennar Sultanate (1502–1821) was a sultanate in the north of Sudan. It was named Funj after the ethnic group of its dynasty or Sinnar (or Sennar) after its capital, which ruled a substantial area of the Sudan region.
Comparison
See also
References
Sources
Further reading
External links