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Álvaro I of Kongo

Type Figure Region Kingdom of Kongo Time c. 1540–1587 Also known as Álvaro I of Kongo、Nimi a Lukeni lua Mvemba、Alvaro I Nimi a Lukeni

Álvaro I (born Nimi a Lukeni lua Mvemba), Manikongo of the Kingdom of Kongo 1568–1587 and founder of the Kwilu dynasty;…

Timeline

  1. 1568–1570Mbanza Kongo · Zaire ProvinceAfter Henrique I fell in battle on the eastern frontier, Álvaro succeeded as stepson/regent. The Jagga soon broke into the capital; he withdrew to islands in the Congo River, sought Portuguese aid, and recovered the kingdom with about six hundred soldiers of São Tomé led by Francisco de Gouveia.
  2. 1571–1580Mbanza Kongo · Zaire ProvinceIn 1575 Paulo Dias de Novais arrived with troops, founding the Portuguese colony of Angola. Álvaro allowed the Portuguese to settle in Luanda, sent forces to assist or intervene in Ndongo affairs, and tried to limit Portuguese erosion of Kongo royal authority.
  3. 1581–1587Mbanza Kongo · Zaire ProvinceHe further promoted Christian court ritual and called the capital São Salvador. He died in 1587 and was succeeded by his son Álvaro II (r. 1587–1614).

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