Describe the political organization of the Asante Empire during the 19th century.

Describe the political organization of the Asante Empire during the 19th century.

• The Asante Empire was centralized state divided into three divisions namely. The nucleaus (Kumasi) states outside Kumasi (Amatoo) and the conquered states.
• The overall ruler of the Empire was Asantahene. Kimasi was under the direct control of the Asantahene.
• The conquered states were ruled by their kings but treated as provinces of Asante. Asantahene appointed representatives in each conquered sate.
• The Asantahene ruled with the help of a confederacy of Kings (Omanhene). Confederacy council. They took an oath of allegiance to ensure Loyalty to the Asantahene.
• The Omanhene represented the Asantahene in the conquered states/Omanhene, Sone autonomy but were expected to pay tribute to the Asantahene and contribute soldiers in times of war.
• The Empire had a standing army which defended/ conquered other states and maintained law and order in the Empire.
• Religion played an important army which defended/ conquered other states and maintained law and order in the Empire.
• The sacred Golden stool which was introduced in the 18th century by Asantahene Osei. Tutu strengthened unity in the Empire. It was kept at the headquarters, Kumasi. Each Omanhene was given a symbolic black stool to signify unity of purpose in the province.
• The empire had a well established judicial/ court system based at Kumasi and was headed by the Asantahene. The Omanhene were given powers to try minor cases at the provinces.
• The empire has a strong economic base that depended mainly on taxes and profit derived from the long distance trade. This strong economy aimed the empire.