Luba Empire
Luba Empire was a state in Congo Basin and Katanga (Central and Southern Africa) that lasted from c. 1585 to 1889 CE, about 304 years. Its people spoke Bantu languages (Kongo, Shona, Zulu, Swahili, Luba, Ganda).
A sacred kingship in the Upemba region of Katanga whose rulers, the mulopwe, claimed descent from the hero Kalala Ilunga. It expanded through the 18th century before succession wars and Yeke and Swahili raids broke it up in the 1880s.
See Luba Empire on the interactive timeline
Facts
- Dates
- c. 1585 to 1889 CE
- Duration
- 304 years
- Type
- State
- Region
- Congo Basin and Katanga, Central and Southern Africa
- Language family
- Bantu
Events in Central and Southern Africa during its time
- Founding of Cape Town
- Battle of Mbwila
- Omanis take Fort Jesus
- Shaka becomes Zulu king
- The Great Trek begins
- Battle of Isandlwana
- Berlin Conference ends
- Witwatersrand gold rush
Neighbours in Central and Southern Africa
- Swahili city-states
- Kingdom of Kongo
- Zulu Kingdom
- Congo Free State
- Kingdom of Buganda
- Bunyoro-Kitara
- Portuguese Mozambique
- Portuguese Angola
- Mutapa Empire
- Kingdom of Imerina
Elsewhere in the world at the same time
- Republic of Venice
- Holy Roman Empire
- Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty)
- Ottoman Empire
- Ottoman Empire
- Portuguese Empire
- Mali Empire
- Ayutthaya Kingdom
- Mughal Empire
- Portuguese Brazil
Questions
When did Luba Empire exist?
c. 1585 to 1889 CE, about 304 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.
Where was Luba Empire?
Congo Basin and Katanga, in Central and Southern Africa.
What language did Luba Empire speak?
Bantu. This family includes Kongo, Shona, Zulu, Swahili, Luba, Ganda.