USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Virtually all that is known about Kongo in the time of Afonso’s reign is known from his long series of letters, written in Portuguese, primarily to the kings Manuel I and João III of Portugal. The letters are often very long and give many details about the administration of the country.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1526, the king of the Kongo, Nzinga Mbemba (who by this time had adopted the Christian name of Afonso I) began writing a series of twenty-four letters to the Portuguese King Joao III appealing for an end to the slave trade.

Detailed explanation-3: -Afonso I, original name Mvemba a Nzinga, also called Nzinga Mbemba, also spelled Afonso I Mvemba a Nzinga, (born c. 1460-died 1542), ruler of Kongo (historical kingdom in west-central Africa) and the first of a line of Portuguese vassal kings that lasted until the early 20th century.

Detailed explanation-4: -In 1482 a Portuguese exploration mission under Diogo Cão reached the Kongo Kingdom where he was welcomed by King Nzinga Nkuwu (Columbia Encyclopaedia 2001). The two powers exchanged embassies, and Nzinga Nkuwu was favourably impressed by the reports he received of Portuguese culture, religion and technology.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Kongo kingdom: a long history Subsequently, Lukeni lua Nimi (c. 1380-1420), son of Nimi a Nzima, became the first Kongo king. He declared Mbanza Kongo (located in present-day Angola) capital of the kingdom.