The Maravi Empire Convenes, 16th Century

Southeast Africa, the late 16th century. The Maravi empire is on the cusp of consolidating its power. Three kingdoms make up the young empire, which boasts territory spanning from the coast of Moçambique to the banks of the Luangwa River. But attain…

Southeast Africa, the late 16th century. The Maravi empire is on the cusp of consolidating its power. Three kingdoms make up the young empire, which boasts territory spanning from the coast of Moçambique to the banks of the Luangwa River. But attaining primacy in this fast-paced and ever-changing region is no easy feat— the ivory-hungry Portuguese linger on the other side of the Zambezi River, varied rain-making spiritual authorities battle for influence, and the peoples the Maravi now rule still remember what life was like without their overlords. Strange spirits lurk in the forest and the scent of change blows in from the south. This meeting of Maravi elders must chart the empire’s path into the new century—will the Maravi Empire flourish, or be overcome?