War · c. 1463–1565
The Kano–Katsina wars
Kano and Katsina, the two great market cities of Hausaland, fought over the trade routes for a century.
Overview
Kano and Katsina, the two great market cities of Hausaland, fought over the trade routes for a century. Muhammad Rumfa's war with Katsina lasted eleven years and ended with neither side winning; Rumfa was the first Sarki to use the Dawakin Zaggi in it. His son Abdullahi and grandson Muhammad Kisoki fought a second war, again inconclusive, even as Kano conquered Zazzau. The rivalry outlived the wars: under Muhammad Zaki, Katsina harried a Kano weakened by Kwararafa, and the two only made peace around 1650, against Kwararafa.[1],[2],[4],[3]High confidence
Who took part
What happened
- 1463–1499
Rumfa's eleven-year war
Kano's first war with Katsina lasts eleven years and ends inconclusively.[1],[2]High confidence
- 1499–1565
Abdullahi and Kisoki's war
A second war, fought by Rumfa's son and grandson, is also inconclusive.[1]High confidence
- c. 1650 · Katsina
Peace against Kwararafa
Kano and Katsina sign a treaty to face Kwararafa together.[3]Medium confidence
Kingdoms involved
Sources
Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).