Mbanza Kongo/São Salvador: Culture and the Transformation of an African City, 1491 to 1670s

Mbanza Kongo, the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo from 1491 to the 1670s, underwent significant cultural transformation during the early Atlantic slave trade, diverging from European models and evolving into a distinct 'Christian city.' Unlike other Atlantic slave ports like Lagos or Whydah, Mbanza Kongo retained its role as a political and administrative center, shaped by the Kingdom's centralized governance rather than solely by trade demands. The study employs historical analysis to explore how Kongo kings and nobles reimagined their capital, blending African traditions with European influences, creating a unique urban identity that reflected both cultural continuity and adaptation.

Heywood, L. (2014). Mbanza Kongo/São Salvador: Culture and the Transformation of an African City, 1491 to 1670s. Africa’s Development in Historical Perspective, 366–390. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139644594.014