Queen Ranavalona II and the Christianization of Madagascar

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the remarkable reign of Queen Ranavalona II, who ruled Madagascar from 1868 to 1883 and made a dramatic break with her predecessor's policies by converting to Christianity and making it the state religion. They discuss how Ranavalona II's baptism in 1869 led to the burning of traditional sampy idols, the rise of the London Missionary Society, and the transformation of Antananarivo. Lucas explains the role of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, who was both her husband and political partner, and how their alliance reshaped Merina power. They also examine the unintended consequences: how Christian conversion deepened divisions between the highlands and coastal peoples, and set the stage for later French colonial claims based on protecting Catholic converts. The episode touches on the queen's construction of stone churches, the spread of literacy, and the decline of traditional beliefs. A nuanced look at how faith and politics intertwined on the island. #RanavalonaII #Madagascar #Christianization #Rainilaiarivony #Merina #LondonMissionarySociety #sampy #Antananarivo #Famadihana #Missionaries #Queen #Protestantism #19thCentury #AfricanHistory #Colonialism #LMS #Bible #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo