Mbanza Soyo

Mbanza Soyo was the chief town of Soyo, a wealthy territory near the mouth of the Congo River. Its rulers controlled access to Atlantic shipping and became important participants in the politics of the kingdom of Kongo. European merchants traded on the coast, supplying imported goods and buying captives for the Atlantic slave trade.

In the seventeenth century Soyo grew increasingly independent. Its forces defeated an invading army from Portuguese Angola at Kitombo in 1670, strengthening the position of Prince Estêvão da Silva and his family. Trade with Dutch merchants and cannon taken in battle helped provide Soyo with substantial artillery. The town grew into a large centre with many distinct quarters, while its rulers continued to influence the selection of kings in Kongo.