Ranavalona I (1782-1861) was born
Rabodoandrianampoinimerina (
Ramavo). After succeeding her husband,
Radama I, and becoming Queen of
Madagascar, she was also known as
Ranavalo-Manjka I.
She was married to Radama when she was almost a child, and was suspected of poisoning her husband. Radama left no descendants when he died and Ranavalona took the throne in
1828 after eliminating any potential rivals. After becoming Queen, Ranavalona had most of her relatives assassinated. She persecuted and expelled foreigners, including the island's missionaries, and extended her rule all over the island with her 20,000-man army. She also had her lover
Rainitaiarivoy[?] named Prime Minister.
Queen Ranavalona died hated by her subjects and foreign countries alike. She was mother of King Radama II[?].
