Ratsimilaho was reputedly born as a result of the hospitality shown by the queen Antavaratra Rahena to an English pirate named "Thomas" (possibly
Thomas Tew,
Thomas White, or
Thomas Collins) when he arrived to show his accreditation as a privateer. The pirate is said to have adopted the resulting child and taken the boy briefly to England where he had some education. Now "according to most chroniclers", whilst Ratsimilaho had been away there had been a redistribution of power. The tribes to the south under their leader Ramano had captured the territory to the north of
Tamatave as they were jealous of the riches arising from the trade with the Europeans. Ratsimilaho's initial approach was to negotiate with Ramano and the
Tsikoa clans, but this proved impossible. He therefore called a meeting, a
kabary, of the leaders and after much debate he persuaded them to give him the power to lead them in a battle. Ratsimilaho was given the title of
filoha be and he used this power to create a new state. Driving out the Southern clans and resisting their later attempts at reinvasion he was victorious. The southern tribes were then called
those who wear red mud. Ramaromanompo was the new name taken by Ratsimilaho meaning
he who is served by many. This important Betsimisaraka federation lasted principally until 1750/51, ending either because of the death of the
filoha be or because of internal squabbles. After his death, his daughter,
Bity, became queen. She married a
French corporal and it is said that this is what gave France its first claim. She reigned with her husband, until Ratsimilaho's son, Zanahary, became leader. ==References==