Cayor

Cayor was a pre-colonial Wolof kingdom located in what is now Senegal. It was one of the major Wolof states, alongside Jolof, Baol, and Sine, and existed for several centuries before its eventual incorporation into French colonial territory. The origins of Cayor are intertwined with the rise of the Jolof Empire, from which it eventually broke away to assert its independence. Its society was structured with a complex hierarchy of nobility, commoners, and enslaved people, with a system of electing rulers from among the noble families. The kingdom's economy was largely based on agriculture, particularly millet cultivation, and trade, with its coastal location facilitating interactions with European traders.

Cayor was known for its strong military and its fierce resistance to external pressures. It engaged in frequent conflicts with neighboring states and later faced significant challenges from European colonial powers, particularly France. The kingdom was eventually conquered and absorbed by the French in the late 19th century, marking the end of its independent existence. Its legacy continues to be studied as an important example of pre-colonial African statehood and the impact of European colonization on the region.