Chao Anouvong vs Obalokun

Chao Anouvong, king of Vientiane, launched a surprise attack on the Siamese city of Nakhon Ratchasima, seeking to reclaim Lao independence. The rebellion initially succeeded but was crushed by Siamese forces under King Rama III, leading to the destruction of Vientiane.

Siamese armies under General Bodindecha captured and systematically destroyed the city of Vientiane, including its temples and palaces. Thousands of Lao civilians were forcibly relocated to Siamese territory, ending the kingdom of Vientiane as a political entity.

After fleeing to the Vietnamese court of Emperor Minh Mang, Anouvong was handed over to Siamese authorities. He was publicly executed in Bangkok by being placed in a cage and exposed to the elements, dying after several days. His death marked the end of the Lao rebellion.

Obalokun established diplomatic and commercial relations with Portuguese traders along the coast. He allowed European merchants to enter Oyo territory and trade for slaves, ivory, and pepper. This opened Oyo to the Atlantic slave trade, which would become a major source of wealth and power for the empire.

Obalokun is credited with significantly expanding and reorganizing Oyo's cavalry, importing horses from the north. This military reform made Oyo's army one of the most powerful in the region, enabling future conquests and the empire's expansion into a major power.