Imerina

The Kingdom of Imerina arose in Madagascar's central highlands, traditionally founded by Andriamanelo in 1540. His successor Ralambo named the kingdom Imerina, and Andrianjaka captured Analamanga and established Antananarivo as his capital in the early 1600s.

After decades of civil war, Andrianampoinimerina took power in 1787, reunited Imerina and extended its rule across the highlands. His son Radama I continued the conquests, ruling much of Madagascar; in 1817 Britain recognised him as King of Madagascar in return for a pledge to end slave exports. Radama also invited missionaries to establish schools in Imerina.