History of the Jaga Invasion of Kongo

Flashcards covering the causes, events, and consequences of the Jaga invasion of the Kingdom of Kongo during the 16th century.

When did the Jaga invade and successfully take the capital of Mbanza Kongo?

In the year $1568$.

Who was the manikongo that was forced to flee during the Jaga invasion?

Alvaro I (also known as Álvaro I Nimi a Lukeni).

What was a primary cause of the slave raids conducted by the Mwissikongo in the Kwango river valley?

To maintain their power and respond to the trade in enslaved peoples by the Portuguese and other European powers.

Where were the troops sent from to help the manikongo retake Mbanza Kongo?

São Tomé.

In what year was Mbanza Kongo officially retaken from the Jaga?

$1570$.

What trading outpost were the São Tomé traders pressuring the manikongo to establish after the Jaga were driven out?

An outpost at Luanda.

How did the establishment of the Luanda outpost affect the kingdom of Ndongo?

It cemented the separation of Ndongo from Kongo’s power and allowed for a rapid rise in the region's slave trade.

What was the economic consequence in Mbanza Kongo during the Jaga occupation?

A famine occurred where the price of a small quantity of food rose to the price of an enslaved person.

Where were many family members sent by slave traders to work after being ransomed during the famine?

Sugar plantations on the island of São Tomé.

How many sugar plantations were reportedly on São Tomé by the time of these events?

$70$ plantations.

According to Duarte Lopes, how many enslaved persons worked on each sugar plantation on São Tomé?

Over $300$ enslaved persons.

Through which province did the 'Jaga' enter the kingdom of Kongo?

The province of Mbata.

What is the name of the Frenchman whose $1610$ account describes the origins of the Jaga?

Pierre du Jarric.

What name did the 'Jagas' call themselves, according to Pierre du Jarric?

Agag.

Where were the 'Jagas' said to live according to Duarte Lopes’s description?

In huts in the forest, after the manner of shepherds.

What specific geographical feature did the Jaga live beyond on the Eastern side of Mbata?

The mountains of the Sun and Saltpetre.

According to Pierre du Jarric, why was the Governor of Mbata permitted to have troops at his side?

To defend the province against the 'Jagas' (or Agag) who lived nearby and committed theft and crime.

Which group within Kongo accompanied Alvaro I during his retreat from Mbanza Kongo?

Portuguese priests and the mwissikongo.

Where was the likely destination for those evacuated from Mbanza Kongo during the retreat?

The estuary of the river and the port of Mpinda.

What political group did Portuguese advisers (usually priests) join in Kongo after the $1570$ restoration?

The electoral council of Kongo.

Who was Duarte Lopes?

A writer who provided a first-hand account of the Jaga invasion based on discussions with witnesses in Kongo.

What happened to the political and military power of Kongo following the Jaga invasion and the subsequent restoration?

It began to wane or reduce due to the resulting instability and foreign influence.

What did the manikongo have to do to ensure a ready supply of arms for the Mbata province?

Redouble the kingdom's dependence on external trade.

What was the relationship between Ndongo and Kongo before the separation facilitated by the Luanda outpost?

Ndongo was a vassal kingdom of Kongo.

What was a major consequence for the people of Ndongo after it separated from Kongo’s power?

Kongo no longer had the power to prevent their own people from being taken into slavery.