The Armies of
Sokoto, Bornu and Bagirmi in the Nineteenth Century *
Detailed illustrated campaign histories of the significant extinction of the
Savannah states in Africa by the European powers
In the 19th Century the eastern Savannah
(now divided between the countries of Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Cameroon) was
one of the most neglected parts of the African continent, and yet at the same
time one of the most culturally sophisticated.
During this period warfare among the peoples of the eastern Savannah, and
in particular the three most significant native states – the Sokoto Caliphate,
the ancient kingdom of Bornu, and the somewhat less ancient state of Bagirmi –
was largely dominated by cavalry, and a significant proportion of these mounted
troops were armoured.
This groundbreaking book covers the period that began with the Sokoto
jihad in 1804 and ended with the extinction of the Savannah states by the
European colonial powers at the turn of the 20th century. In addition to
providing a brief outline history of the three states, it examines in detail the
arms, equipment and methods of warfare used by their armoured ‘knights’ and
infantry, and includes in addition sections on their horses, artillery, flags,
fortifications, and clothing. It is illustrated throughout with contemporary
photographs and engravings.
