Andrianampoinimerina (1745–1810) rules the Kingdom of Imerina from 1787 until his death.
His reign is marked by the reunification of Imerina following svenety-seven years of civil war, and the subsequent expansion of his kingdom into neighboring territories, thereby initiating the unification of Madagascar under Merina rule.
Andrianampoinimerina is a cultural hero and holds near mythic status among the Merina people, and is considered one of the greatest military and political leaders in the history of Madagascar.
Andrianampoinimerina takes power upon deposing his uncle, King Andrianjafy, who had ruled over Imerina Avarandrano (Northern Imerina).
Prior to Andrianampoinimerina's reign, Imerina Avarandrano had been locked in conflict with the three other neighboring provinces of the former kingdom of Imerina that had last been unified under King Andriamasinavalona a century before.
Andrianampoinimerina establishes his capital at the fortified town of Ambohimanga, a site of great spiritual, cultural and political significance that is
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
The king's original royal lodgings can still be visited at Ambohimanga today.
From this position, he progressively extends his domain first over all Imerina and then over the greater Highlands, absorbing the Betsileo, Sihanaka, Bezanozano and Bara territories.
Having reigned for twenty-three years at the time of his death, Andrianampoinimerina has successfully reunited Imerina and vastly expanded the Merina kingdom, with the intent to ultimately unify all of Madagascar under Merina rule.
His son and heir, Radama I, continues the conquests Andrianampoinimerina had begun, and over the next two decades largely achieves his father's vision.
