Radama I ( 1793-1828), also known as Radama the Great, was the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar (1810-1828) by a European state, Great Britain. He came to power at the age of 17 following the death of his father, King Andrianampoinimerina.

Under Radama's rule and at his invitation, the first Europeans entered his central highland Kingdom of Imerina