Cayor

historical state, Africa

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June 24, 2026

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Cayor was a historical state in what is now Senegal, Africa, that emerged as a satellite state of the Wolof empire around the 14th century. Ruled by a king, or burba, with both political and religious duties, Cayor eventually broke away from Wolof domination in 1556. This act of independence led to Cayor establishing its own state on the Senegal coast, which consequently cut off the Wolof empire's access to the sea and European trade, contributing to the Wolof empire's decline.1

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Wolof empire
…which the most important was Cayor. During the 15th century Wolof was a powerful empire, on the border of which lay the tributary state of Sine-Solum, ruled by the Serer, a kindred people to the Wolof.
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…which the most important was Cayor. During the 15th century Wolof was a powerful empire, on the border of which lay the tributary state of Sine-Solum, ruled by the Serer, a kindred people to the Wolof.
Read More

Baol
…by the neighbouring state of Cayor, which controlled it until 1686. Late in the 17th century, Wolof invaded Cayor, causing many of its inhabitants to flee to Baol. The rulers of Baol were able to withstand European attempts at conquest until the French occupied their territory in the mid-19th century.
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…by the neighbouring state of Cayor, which controlled it until 1686. Late in the 17th century, Wolof invaded Cayor, causing many of its inhabitants to flee to Baol. The rulers of Baol were able to withstand European attempts at conquest until the French occupied their territory in the mid-19th century.
Read More