Battle of Feyiase
1701 · Feyiase (south of Kumasi in present-day Ghana) · World · Modern
Ntim Gyakari, king of Denkyira, was killed, and the Ashanti threw off their vassal status under Denkyira.
Belligerents
Ashanti Confederacy
- Commanders
- Osei Tutu, Okomfo Anokye (priest)
- Strength
- No reliable record
Kingdom of Denkyira
- Commanders
- Ntim Gyakari
- Strength
- No reliable record
Background
In the late 17th century the small Akan states around Kumasi all paid tribute to powerful Denkyira. Osei Tutu used the sacred symbol of the Golden Stool to unite these states into the Ashanti Confederacy, and Denkyira's demands for heavy tribute became the trigger for war.
Course of the battle
- The alliance takes the fieldRallying support with the Golden Stool, Osei Tutu mustered the armies of Kumasi, Mampong, Juaben and other states.
- Decisive battle of FeyiaseThe Ashanti coalition engaged the main Denkyira army at Feyiase and won.
- The king of Denkyira is killedNtim Gyakari was captured and killed, and Denkyira declined from then on.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1701 |
|---|---|
| Place | Feyiase (south of Kumasi in present-day Ghana) |
| Result | Ntim Gyakari, king of Denkyira, was killed, and the Ashanti threw off their vassal status under Denkyira. |
| Winner | Ashanti Confederacy |
| Casualties | No reliable record |
| Territorial change | The Ashanti replaced Denkyira as the hegemon of the Akan forest zone and controlled the trade routes to the European forts on the coast |
Impact
This battle laid the foundation of the Ashanti Empire, and for nearly two centuries afterward Ashanti remained one of the most powerful states in West Africa's forest zone.
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