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Summary
The typology of all excavated sites and artifacts analyzed presents a wide range of time and space. The pre-European period
corresponds to the establishment of a few lineage clans and groups in modest villages, some of which will eventually grow stronger,
especially during the internal wars prior to the appearance of kingdoms. Maps showing the distribution per period clearly indicate
that this region was not highly populated until the late 17th century. However, this trend was set to increase throughout the 18th
century. This is corroborated by the first written testimonials on this region.
Analysis of the sites and artifacts collected clearly confirm the existence of an ongoing relationship between the east coast and
hinterland regions, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. From the late 18th century, this region experienced disturbances
due to the development of the slave trade and the presence of Pirates. Some clans established alliances with foreigners to capture
and sell their own compatriots. Some officials demanded that transactions be paid in guns and powder so they could attack their
rivals more easily. Eager to receive the maximum number of slaves in a minimum amount of time, foreign slave traders did not
hesitate to accept such a deal. At first, officials who obtained arms from such dealings could easily defeat other groups and capture
a lot of people to be sold as slaves. This was a big mistake however as later, the same Malagasy officials would use their arms
against the Europeans.
These periods of violence resulted in the population migrating to areas of refuge; they moved away from the coast, settling on hill top
locations, or hiding temporarily in the forest. This could explain the proliferation of many small sites that were occupied for a short
period of time. In the 19th century many forts were built due to threat of foreign intrusions.
In the early 19th century, the advent of King Radama I would give another dimension to the relationship between clans. At this time,
the objective was no longer to fight against a rival, but to occupy and sustainably control a territory. Initially under the supervision of
foreign military trainers and encouraged by the prophecies of many of his advisors from the southeast, Radama I believed he was
on a mission to conquer the island. The war on the east coast was part of this ambition. The Betsimisaraka King, Jean René, was
apparently opposed to the invasion of his territory, but eventually agreed to make an alliance.
The two kings found a modus vivendi, which allowed them to become allies in the management of potential resources generated by
the slave trade.
