Radama II of Madagascar

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Radama II (23 September 1829 - 12 May 1863) was king of Madagascar from 1861 until his assassination in 1863.

He reopened the country to Christian missionaries.

Radama was succeeded by his wife Rasoherina, who was later succeeded by another of Radama's wives, Ranavalona II.

[edit] Assassination

Due to the Merina custom of never spilling royal blood, Radama was strangled with a silk cloth after being subdued. Following his apparent death, rumors spread that he was only rendered unconscious by the attempt on his life, recovering after his murderers unceremoniously dumped his body. It was believed that he was residing on the west coast of the island, and had gained supporters.

The rumors persisted to the point of causing some political turmoil in the Merina capital. While these claims have never been substantiated by concrete evidence, the claim has some substance judging by the actions of others. Prominent Christian missionaries based on the other side of Madagascar made extensive efforts to visit and support Radama but were never able to. Also, the traditionalist forces in the government were concerned enough by the rumors as to have put to death sixteen of his supporters, as well as fining hundreds of others.^[1]