Bernardo I of Kongo (died 1567) was a 16th-century
manikongo (ruler) of the
Kingdom of Kongo, a region encompassing areas in 21st-century
Angola and the
Democratic Republic of Congo. He came to power after murdering his half-brother
Afonso II who was less well-disposed toward the Portuguese.
The rule of Bernardo I extended from 1561 to 1567.[1] He was killed fighting the
Yaka on Kongo's eastern frontier.[2] The Yaka, who were referred to as
Jagas by the
Essikongo and the
Portuguese, would invade and nearly conquer Kongo in 1568.
^Thornton, John (2006): "Elite Women in the Kingdom of Kongo: Historical Perspectives on Women's Political Power", page 447. The Journal of African History, Vol. 47.
^Oliver, Roland and Atmore, Anthony (2001): Medieval Africa, 1250-1800, page 173. Cambridge University Press.