🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 97
🇱🇸 Chapter 1 – Part 1
Lesotho: The Mountain Kingdom
The Basotho People, King Moshoeshoe I, Missionaries, Christianity, British Rule, Independence, Basotho Culture, the Maloti Mountains, and a Kingdom Surrounded by South Africa
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore." — Psalm 125:2
Introduction
Lesotho is one of the world's most unusual countries.
It is:
A kingdom.
A mountain nation.
A landlocked country.
A nation completely surrounded by another country.
A homeland of the:
Basotho people.
And a country whose modern identity was deeply shaped by:
King Moshoeshoe I
and:
Christianity.
Lesotho is often called:
The Mountain Kingdom.
Its mountains are not merely geographic features.
They shaped:
Settlement.
Defense.
Transportation.
Agriculture.
Culture.
Political identity.
The story of Lesotho is therefore a story of:
Mountains.
Migration.
War.
Leadership.
Faith.
Mission.
Colonialism.
Independence.
And survival.
Where Is Lesotho?
Lesotho is located in:
Southern Africa
It is completely surrounded by:
South Africa
This makes Lesotho one of the world's few:
enclaved countries.
The Mountain Kingdom
Much of Lesotho lies at high elevation.
The country contains:
Mountain ranges.
Plateaus.
Valleys.
Rivers.
Highlands.
The landscape is among the most dramatic in southern Africa.
The Maloti Mountains
The:
Maloti Mountains
form the heart of Lesotho.
They are connected to the larger:
Drakensberg
mountain system.
High Elevation
Lesotho is one of the world's highest countries.
Much of the country lies above:
1,500 meters
above sea level.
Some areas rise above:
3,000 meters.
Thabana Ntlenyana
The highest point is:
Thabana Ntlenyana
at approximately:
3,482 meters
above sea level.
It is the highest mountain in southern Africa.
Mountain Geography
The mountains historically provided:
Protection.
Natural boundaries.
Pasture.
Water.
Stone.
Strategic positions.
They also made transportation difficult.
Rivers
Lesotho is extremely important to the water resources of southern Africa.
Its mountains feed major rivers including the:
Orange River
also known as the:
Senqu River
in Lesotho.
Water From the Mountains
Lesotho's highlands receive significant precipitation compared with surrounding lowlands.
Snow can occur during winter.
Mountain water flows into neighboring South Africa.
This gives Lesotho strategic importance far beyond its population.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project
One of the country's most important modern infrastructure projects is the:
Lesotho Highlands Water Project
It transfers water from Lesotho's mountain systems to South Africa.
It also produces hydroelectric power.
Water as a National Resource
Lesotho's water is sometimes described as:
"white gold."
The phrase reflects its economic importance.
Water can provide:
Revenue.
Energy.
Agriculture.
Regional cooperation.
Ancient Peoples
The territory of modern Lesotho was inhabited long before the modern Basotho nation emerged.
The region was home to:
San peoples.
Bantu-speaking communities.
Other southern African populations.
The San
The:
San
were among the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa.
They developed extensive knowledge of:
Hunting.
Gathering.
Plants.
Animals.
Rock landscapes.
Rock Art
Lesotho contains important:
San rock art
sites.
These paintings and engravings preserve evidence of ancient spiritual and cultural life.
Bantu Migration
Bantu-speaking peoples migrated into southern Africa over many centuries.
They brought traditions involving:
Agriculture.
Ironworking.
Livestock.
Village settlement.
The Basotho
The:
Basotho
are a southern African people whose national identity developed particularly during the nineteenth century.
Their language is:
Sesotho
Sesotho
Sesotho is a major Bantu language.
It is closely related to:
Setswana.
Sepedi.
Other Sotho-Tswana languages.
The Sotho-Tswana World
The Basotho developed within a broader cultural and linguistic world that included:
Sotho.
Tswana.
Pedi.
and related peoples.
Moshoeshoe I
The central figure in the creation of modern Lesotho was:
King Moshoeshoe I
Birth of Moshoeshoe
Moshoeshoe was born around:
1786
His original name was:
Lepoqo
He later became known as:
Moshoeshoe
A Great Leader
Moshoeshoe became famous for:
Leadership.
Diplomacy.
Military strategy.
Hospitality.
Political organization.
His leadership transformed scattered communities into a more unified Basotho nation.
The Mfecane
During the early nineteenth century, southern Africa experienced major political upheaval.
This period is commonly associated with:
Mfecane
or:
Difaqane
Political Upheaval
War.
Migration.
Population displacement.
Competition for land.
Changing military structures.
contributed to widespread instability.
Moshoeshoe's Strategy
Moshoeshoe used the mountains strategically.
He gathered communities around defensible mountain strongholds.
Thaba Bosiu
One of the most important places in Lesotho's history is:
Thaba Bosiu
The name means:
"Mountain at Night."
Thaba Bosiu
Thaba Bosiu became Moshoeshoe's stronghold.
Its elevation and natural defenses made it extremely difficult for enemies to conquer.
The Mountain Fortress
Thaba Bosiu became more than a military position.
It became a symbol of:
Basotho unity.
Resistance.
Leadership.
National identity.
Moshoeshoe and Diplomacy
Moshoeshoe was not simply a warrior.
He was also a diplomat.
He sought relationships with:
Neighboring peoples.
European missionaries.
Colonial authorities.
Hospitality
Moshoeshoe became known for welcoming people.
His political strategy included:
Absorbing refugees.
Building alliances.
Protecting communities.
The Missionaries Arrive
Christian missionaries arrived in the region during Moshoeshoe's reign.
One of the most important was:
Eugène Casalis
Paris Evangelical Missionary Society
French Protestant missionaries associated with the:
Paris Evangelical Missionary Society
began work among the Basotho.
Eugène Casalis
Eugène Casalis
arrived among the Basotho in:
1833
He became an important missionary, linguist, educator, and adviser.
Missionary and King
Moshoeshoe developed a significant relationship with missionaries.
He saw potential value in:
Education.
Writing.
Diplomacy.
Christianity.
Connections with Europe.
Morija
The missionary center at:
Morija
became one of the most important centers of Christianity and education in Lesotho.
Morija
Morija became associated with:
Churches.
Schools.
Printing.
Literature.
Bible translation.
Teacher training.
Sesotho Literature
Christian missionaries contributed significantly to the development of written:
Sesotho
Bible Translation
The Bible was translated into Sesotho.
This had enormous cultural consequences.
Scripture became available in the language of the Basotho people.
Language and Christianity
The Christian mission helped strengthen:
Literacy.
Writing.
Education.
Literature.
But the process also involved European cultural influence.
The First Christian Churches
Christian communities grew among the Basotho.
Mission schools expanded.
Teachers trained new generations.
Education
Christian education became one of the most important legacies of missionary activity.
Schools taught:
Reading.
Writing.
Arithmetic.
Bible.
Languages.
Practical skills.
Printing
Printing presses allowed missionaries and Basotho writers to produce:
Books.
Hymns.
Bible materials.
Educational texts.
Newspapers.
The Gospel in Sesotho
The use of Sesotho in Christian worship and Scripture helped create a distinctly Basotho expression of Christianity.
Christianity and Basotho Identity
Over time, Christianity became deeply embedded in Basotho society.
Today, Christianity is the dominant religious tradition in Lesotho.
Catholicism
Roman Catholic missions also became important.
Catholic schools and institutions contributed to:
Education.
Healthcare.
Social development.
Protestant Christianity
Protestant traditions remain especially important.
Major traditions include:
Evangelical.
Reformed.
Anglican.
Methodist.
Pentecostal.
Lesotho Evangelical Church
The:
Lesotho Evangelical Church
has roots in the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society.
It remains one of the country's major Protestant traditions.
Anglican Christianity
The:
Anglican Church
also developed a significant presence.
Roman Catholic Church
The:
Catholic Church
operates churches, schools, hospitals, and social institutions throughout Lesotho.
Christianity and Education
Lesotho has one of the strongest historical connections between:
Christianity.
Education.
Literacy.
National University of Lesotho
The:
National University of Lesotho
has historical roots connected with Catholic educational institutions.
It became a major center of higher education.
Mission Schools
Mission schools educated many future:
Teachers.
Government officials.
Pastors.
Professionals.
Leaders.
The Gospel and Literacy
The Christian emphasis on Scripture encouraged literacy.
The ability to read the Bible became an important motivation for education.
The Bible and Basotho Culture
The Bible became integrated into:
Songs.
Names.
Preaching.
Prayer.
Funerals.
Marriage ceremonies.
Family life.
King Moshoeshoe and Christianity
Moshoeshoe never simply surrendered Basotho identity to missionaries.
He negotiated.
He listened.
He used diplomacy.
He evaluated foreign influence.
This relationship demonstrates that indigenous leaders could actively shape the missionary encounter.
European Colonialism
As European settler power expanded in southern Africa, conflict increased.
Boer settlers from the Cape Colony and surrounding territories became increasingly important.
Basotho Wars
The nineteenth century saw multiple conflicts between the Basotho and colonial/Boer forces.
Free State Conflict
The:
Orange Free State
became a major regional power.
Territorial disputes with the Basotho intensified.
The First Basotho War
Conflict emerged over:
Land.
Borders.
Political authority.
Livestock.
Settlement.
The Second Basotho War
Additional conflict followed.
The Basotho successfully defended some mountain strongholds but faced increasing pressure.
The Third Basotho War
Further fighting eventually led Moshoeshoe to seek British protection.
British Protection
In:
1868
Moshoeshoe requested British protection.
Lesotho became a British protectorate.
Basutoland
Under British rule, the territory became known as:
Basutoland
Moshoeshoe's Death
Moshoeshoe I died in:
1870
He remains one of the most important figures in Basotho history.
Moshoeshoe's Legacy
His legacy includes:
Unity.
Diplomacy.
Mountain defense.
Hospitality.
Leadership.
National identity.
Basotho Nation
Moshoeshoe brought together communities that had experienced fragmentation and conflict.
He helped create the foundations of a national identity.
British Administration
British colonial rule eventually became more formal.
Basutoland retained significant local institutions but was controlled within the British imperial system.
Paramount Chiefs
Traditional leadership remained important.
The British governed partly through existing structures.
Christianity Under Colonial Rule
Christianity expanded significantly during the colonial period.
Mission schools became central to education.
African Christianity
Over time, Basotho Christians increasingly became:
Pastors.
Teachers.
Evangelists.
Church leaders.
The Church became less dependent on foreign missionaries.
Indigenous Leadership
The long-term growth of Christianity depended upon Basotho leadership.
This is an important lesson for missions everywhere.
World War I
Basotho served in British imperial forces during World War I.
The war created connections with the wider world.
World War II
Basotho also contributed to the Allied war effort during World War II.
Political Development
Nationalist movements developed during the twentieth century.
Basotho increasingly demanded:
Political representation.
Self-government.
Independence.
Independence
Lesotho gained independence from Britain on:
October 4, 1966
The Kingdom of Lesotho
Lesotho became an independent:
constitutional monarchy
with:
King Moshoeshoe II
as monarch.
Moshoeshoe II
Moshoeshoe II
was the first king of independent Lesotho.
He was a descendant of Moshoeshoe I.
Modern Monarchy
The monarchy remains part of Lesotho's national identity.
The present king is:
King Letsie III
Constitutional Government
Lesotho operates as a constitutional monarchy with:
A monarch.
A prime minister.
A parliament.
A judiciary.
Political Instability
Lesotho has experienced periods of:
Political conflict.
Military intervention.
Government instability.
Coalition disputes.
The 1990s
The country experienced significant political instability during the 1990s.
South Africa and regional organizations became involved in efforts to stabilize Lesotho.
Operation Boleas
In:
1998
South African and Botswana forces entered Lesotho following political unrest.
The intervention remains controversial.
Democracy
Despite political difficulties, democratic institutions remain central to modern Lesotho.
Maseru
The capital is:
Maseru
It is located near the western border with South Africa.
Maseru
Maseru is the country's:
Political center.
Commercial center.
Educational center.
Transportation center.
Urbanization
Lesotho has experienced growing urbanization.
People move toward:
Maseru.
Other towns.
South African cities.
South Africa
South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.
This relationship is unavoidable.
Economic Dependence
Lesotho's economy is closely connected with South Africa.
Many Basotho work in:
South African mines.
Factories.
Construction.
Services.
Migrant Labor
For generations, Basotho men have worked in South African mines.
Remittances became an important source of household income.
The Cost of Migration
Migration can provide:
Income.
Education.
Housing.
Opportunity.
But it can also separate:
Husbands.
Wives.
Parents.
Children.
Family
The family remains central to Basotho society.
Christian ministry therefore has a major opportunity to strengthen:
Marriage.
Parenting.
Children.
Grandparents.
Community.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains important.
Major activities include:
Livestock.
Maize.
Wheat.
Sorghum.
Vegetables.
Livestock
Sheep.
Cattle.
Goats.
horses
are important to Basotho life.
The Basotho Pony
One of Lesotho's most famous cultural symbols is the:
Basotho pony
These sure-footed horses are well adapted to mountain terrain.
Horses and Mountains
Horses provide:
Transportation.
Pastoral support.
Tourism.
Cultural identity.
The Blanket
Another iconic symbol is the:
Basotho blanket
Traditional blankets are worn for:
Warmth.
Ceremonies.
Identity.
Cultural expression.
Basotho Hat
The:
Mokorotlo
is a traditional Basotho hat.
It has become a national symbol.
Traditional Clothing
Basotho clothing often incorporates:
Blankets.
Hats.
Beads.
Traditional designs.
Sesotho Culture
Important cultural values include:
Community.
Respect.
Hospitality.
Family.
Elders.
Land.
Tradition.
Ubuntu
The broader southern African concept of:
Ubuntu
emphasizes human interdependence.
The principle is often summarized through the idea:
"I am because we are."
Christian theology has sometimes connected Ubuntu with biblical ideas about:
Community.
Neighbor-love.
The body of Christ.
The Village
Traditional Basotho communities often developed around:
Family.
Chiefs.
Livestock.
Agriculture.
Churches.
Community gatherings.
The Kgotla Tradition
Community discussion and traditional leadership structures have played important roles.
Public consultation can be an important aspect of traditional governance.
Music
Music is central to Basotho culture.
Traditional music includes:
Songs.
Choral traditions.
Praise poetry.
Drums.
String instruments.
Praise Poetry
Basotho have a strong tradition of:
praise poetry
Poets can preserve:
History.
Genealogy.
Heroism.
Political memory.
Christianity and Music
Christianity became deeply connected with Basotho singing.
Church choirs are extremely important.
Choral Christianity
Many Basotho churches emphasize:
Choirs.
Harmony.
Hymns.
Call-and-response.
Group singing.
Worship as Community
In a communal culture, worship naturally becomes:
Collective.
Participatory.
Relational.
Lesotho's Christian Identity
Christianity is dominant in Lesotho.
But nominal Christianity remains a challenge.
People may identify as Christian while remaining disconnected from:
Bible study.
Prayer.
Discipleship.
Church community.
Discipleship
The Church's mission is therefore not simply:
conversion.
It is:
discipleship.
Youth
Young Basotho face:
Unemployment.
Migration.
Economic uncertainty.
Education pressures.
Technology.
Changing cultural expectations.
Youth Ministry
Churches can provide:
Mentoring.
Vocational guidance.
Bible teaching.
Sports.
Music.
Arts.
Leadership development.
Education and Opportunity
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives.
Christian schools can combine:
Academic excellence.
Character.
Service.
Biblical worldview.
Poverty
Lesotho faces significant poverty.
Rural communities may experience:
Food insecurity.
Limited healthcare.
Unemployment.
Infrastructure challenges.
Christian Compassion
The Church can respond through:
Food programs.
Medical care.
Education.
Agriculture.
Microenterprise.
Water projects.
Vocational training.
HIV/AIDS
Lesotho has been significantly affected by:
HIV/AIDS
The epidemic has affected:
Families.
Children.
Workplaces.
Healthcare systems.
Churches.
Christian organizations have played roles in:
Education.
Prevention.
Care.
Support.
Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Churches can serve children affected by:
Poverty.
Disease.
Migration.
Family loss.
Mountain Communities
Remote mountain communities can be difficult to reach.
Mission work requires:
Transportation.
Local leaders.
Mobile technology.
Audio Scripture.
Community health.
Education.
The Mountains as Mission Territory
The geography that once protected the Basotho can also make ministry difficult.
Yet:
Every mountain village matters.
Every family matters.
Every child matters.
Water
Lesotho's mountains are a major source of water.
Christian stewardship should include:
Protecting watersheds.
Preventing erosion.
Supporting sustainable agriculture.
Maintaining clean water.
Climate Change
Lesotho faces challenges including:
Drought.
Changing rainfall.
Erosion.
Land degradation.
Severe storms.
These affect agriculture and water security.
Renewable Energy
Lesotho has opportunities in:
Hydropower.
Solar.
Wind.
The country's mountainous geography provides significant renewable-energy potential.
Tourism
Lesotho's mountains attract visitors for:
Hiking.
Horse riding.
Skiing.
Cultural tourism.
Adventure tourism.
Maletsunyane Falls
One of Lesotho's most famous natural landmarks is:
Maletsunyane Falls
The waterfall drops dramatically from the surrounding highlands.
Sani Pass
The nearby:
Sani Pass
connects Lesotho with South Africa through dramatic mountain terrain.
Afriski
Lesotho is unusual in southern Africa because it has a ski resort:
Afriski
Snow occurs during the southern African winter.
Winter in Lesotho
The highlands can become extremely cold.
Snow can cover mountain roads and villages.
This creates humanitarian challenges.
The Kingdom of Lesotho
Lesotho's identity is unusual because it is both:
A modern nation.
and:
A kingdom.
The Meaning of a Kingdom
Biblically, a kingdom is more than:
Territory.
A monarch.
Political authority.
The Kingdom of God is:
God's rule.
God's presence.
God's justice.
God's redemption.
Moshoeshoe and Christ
Moshoeshoe was a political king.
Jesus is:
King of Kings.
Human kings protect territories.
Christ establishes a kingdom that transcends:
Borders.
Tribes.
Nations.
Languages.
Thaba Bosiu
Thaba Bosiu was a refuge.
The Bible repeatedly describes God as:
A refuge.
A stronghold.
A fortress.
Psalm 18
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer."
Lesotho's mountain strongholds provide a powerful cultural image for this biblical truth.
From Mountains to the Mountain of God
Lesotho is surrounded by mountains.
Scripture repeatedly uses mountains as places of:
Encounter.
Prayer.
Covenant.
Revelation.
Worship.
But the ultimate refuge is not a mountain.
It is:
God Himself.
From Moshoeshoe to Jesus
Moshoeshoe united scattered people.
Jesus creates:
one people.
Moshoeshoe defended a physical kingdom.
Christ establishes:
an eternal kingdom.
Moshoeshoe welcomed refugees.
Jesus welcomes:
the broken.
From the Basotho Blanket to the Robe of Righteousness
The Basotho blanket provides warmth and identity.
Scripture uses clothing as an image of:
Righteousness.
Salvation.
New identity.
The Gospel offers a new identity in Christ.
From the Pony to the Journey
The Basotho pony carries people through difficult mountains.
Christian discipleship is also a journey.
Believers are called to:
Walk.
Persevere.
Follow.
Serve.
Reach the destination.
From Sesotho to the Nations
The Gospel entered Basotho culture through:
Language.
Translation.
Education.
Music.
Churches.
Today Basotho Christians can carry the Gospel beyond Lesotho.
Lesotho and Southern Africa
Lesotho can serve as a missionary bridge into:
South Africa.
Botswana.
Eswatini.
Zimbabwe.
Zambia.
Mozambique.
Namibia.
Basotho Diaspora
Basotho people living in South Africa and elsewhere provide opportunities for:
Evangelism.
Church planting.
Community ministry.
Cross-border discipleship.
The Church Across Borders
Because Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa, the Church must think regionally.
Kingdom ministry does not stop at national borders.
Christian Unity
Lesotho contains:
Protestants.
Catholics.
Anglicans.
Pentecostals.
Evangelicals.
Other Christian traditions.
The Church should seek unity around:
Jesus.
Scripture.
Prayer.
Mission.
Missionary Heritage
Lesotho's Christian history demonstrates the long-term impact of missionaries.
But the next chapter should increasingly be written by:
Basotho missionaries.
Indigenous Missions
Basotho Christians understand:
Language.
Culture.
Family.
History.
Geography.
They are uniquely positioned to minister within their own culture.
African Missions
Basotho missionaries can serve throughout:
Southern Africa.
Africa.
Europe.
North America.
The diaspora.
Prayer for Lesotho
Pray:
-
For the Basotho people.
-
For King Letsie III.
-
For political leaders.
-
For pastors.
-
For priests.
-
For missionaries.
-
For churches.
-
For Christian unity.
-
For revival.
-
For Bible literacy.
-
For Sesotho Scripture.
-
For Christian schools.
-
For teachers.
-
For university students.
-
For young people.
-
For families.
-
For marriages.
-
For children.
-
For migrant workers.
-
For families separated by migration.
-
For people affected by poverty.
-
For people affected by HIV/AIDS.
-
For vulnerable children.
-
For rural communities.
-
For mountain villages.
-
For clean water.
-
For agriculture.
-
For responsible development.
-
For environmental protection.
-
For political stability.
-
For democratic institutions.
-
For economic opportunity.
-
For Basotho entrepreneurs.
-
For Christian media.
-
For Christian musicians.
-
For missionaries.
-
For indigenous church leadership.
-
For Basotho missionaries.
-
For peace with South Africa.
-
For the whole of Southern Africa.
Lesotho Before the Throne
Lesotho may be geographically small.
But its story is enormous.
It is the story of:
A people.
A king.
A mountain.
A language.
A Gospel.
A nation.
From Thaba Bosiu to Mount Zion
Thaba Bosiu protected the Basotho.
Mount Zion represents the ultimate dwelling of God.
The earthly mountain points toward a greater reality:
God is our refuge.
From Moshoeshoe's Kingdom to God's Kingdom
Moshoeshoe's kingdom was:
Historical.
Geographic.
Political.
Jesus' Kingdom is:
Eternal.
Spiritual.
Universal.
From the Missionary to the Missionary Nation
Missionaries came to Lesotho.
They taught Scripture.
They established schools.
They translated the Bible.
They trained leaders.
Now the next step is:
Lesotho sending missionaries.
From Receiving to Sending
The Church should move:
From receiving.
To growing.
To sending.
A mature Church becomes a:
missionary Church.
From Water to Living Water
Lesotho's mountain waters sustain southern Africa.
Jesus offers:
living water.
The Church can proclaim both:
Practical mercy.
and:
Eternal hope.
From the Mountains to the Nations
The mountains of Lesotho do not have to isolate the nation.
They can become a platform.
A place from which:
Worship rises.
Missionaries are sent.
Stories are told.
The Gospel travels.
Lesotho's Kingdom Assignment
Lesotho's Kingdom assignment can be summarized as:
Mountain.
Refuge.
Kingdom.
Singer.
Missionary.
Water source.
Bridge.
Final Commission
May Lesotho remain strong in Christ.
May the Basotho people know the Lord deeply.
May churches experience revival.
May pastors preach Scripture faithfully.
May Christian schools flourish.
May young people find hope and purpose.
May families be strengthened.
May poverty decrease.
May vulnerable children be protected.
May people affected by HIV/AIDS receive compassion and dignity.
May mountain communities receive opportunity.
May the nation's water be protected.
May political leaders govern with wisdom.
May democracy remain strong.
May the monarchy serve the people faithfully.
May Basotho culture be preserved.
May Sesotho Scripture continue to flourish.
May Christian music rise from the mountains.
May Basotho missionaries go to the nations.
May Lesotho become not merely a kingdom surrounded by another nation, but a people surrounded by the presence of God.
And may Basotho believers join every nation, tribe, people, and language before the throne, declaring:
"Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
(Revelation 7:10)
Amen.
🇱🇸 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 97
Lesotho
From ancient San rock art to the Basotho nation.
From Moshoeshoe I to the modern kingdom.
From Thaba Bosiu to the Mountain of God.
From missionary schools to a national Church.
From Sesotho Scripture to Basotho missionaries.
From the Maloti Mountains to the nations.
From mountain water to living water.
From Lesotho to the throne.
End of Kingdom Nations Series – Part 97: 🇱🇸 Lesotho
Coming Next: 🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 98: 🇱🇷 Liberia — From West African peoples and the Atlantic world through the American Colonization Society, the founding of Monrovia, independence, the Americo-Liberian era, indigenous Liberia, civil wars, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, modern Liberia, Christianity, Islam, the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, and Liberia's Kingdom role as a historic African republic.
