Why was the Antemoro state important in Madagascar’s early history?

The Antemoro state was significant in early Malagasy history primarily because it was the only state on the island during the 1630s to possess written texts. By utilizing the Arabic alphabet to record both religious and secular works in the Malagasy language, the Antemoro established a unique intellectual and administrative foundation.12

Formed in the Matitana River valley following the intermarriage of local inhabitants with Afro-Arab arrivals, the Antemoro developed a theocratic state where proximity to Islam became a primary criterion for political authority. Their influence extended well beyond their own borders; Antemoro holy men traveled extensively throughout the island, exerting a profound impact on the religion and government of other Malagasy groups. For many years, they remained the only indigenous people to maintain written records of their local history and culture.123