Kongo Kingdom Embraces Catholicism
1500
King Nzinga a Nkuwu of Kongo, baptized as Joao I, deepened his alliance with Portugal, sending his son Afonso to study in Lisbon. Catholic priests moved up the Congo River, and crucifixes were forged alongside traditional nkisi figures. Central Africa's most powerful kingdom had chosen a European faith with open eyes.
In context
Also in 1500 (7 other events on record)
- Cabral Stumbles on Brazil · South America · Exploration
- Safavid Revolt in Ardabil · Middle East · Politics
- Michelangelo Finishes the Pieta · Europe · Culture
- Aldine Press Pockets the Classics · Europe · Technology
- Diogo Dias Reaches Madagascar · Africa · Exploration
- Hemisphere of Silver · North America · Politics
Before and after in Africa
Before and after in Religion
Era
Late Middle Ages (1301–1500), one of 874 events from that era on Saeculum.