Mbanza Kongo
/ˈmbæn.zə ˈkɒŋ.ɡoʊ/noun
A historic city in northern Angola that served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo.
Did you know?Mbanza Kongo became a major Christian and diplomatic center after Portuguese contact in the late fifteenth century, but it remained the political heart of the Kongo kingdom.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 15th century
Kikongo
mbanza
“Town, settlement, or capital; the term referred to an important urban center.”
Before the 15th century
Kikongo
Kongo
“Name associated with the Kongo people and kingdom; its deeper linguistic origin is uncertain.”
Late 15th century
Kikongo
Mbanza Kongo
“The principal royal settlement and capital of the Kingdom of Kongo.”
1491
Portuguese
São Salvador
“Saint Saviour; the Portuguese colonial name adopted for the city after the baptism of Kongo’s rulers.”
20th century
Portuguese/Kikongo
Mbanza Kongo
“The indigenous name was restored in official usage after Angolan independence.”
2017
Modern English
Mbanza Kongo
“A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its archaeological and historical importance.”