13th Century (c.1200s)

- Berom ancestors migrate from North Africa, possibly Rome, following animal migration routes.

- Settle temporarily in Kanem-Borno and Sokoto, referring to the Buzu (Nupes) as “playmates.”

- Move to the Jos Plateau, establishing settlements in Jishe (Jos), Du, Foron, Riyom, Gwol (Barkin Ladi), and beyond.

- Some migrate further north to Kagoma in Southern Kaduna.

Pre-Colonial Period (Before 1900s)

- Beroms live as hunters, gatherers, and farmers, deeply spiritual and nature-connected.

- Develop Kwit (spiritism) — communication with spirits for protection, rain, and war.

- Worship Dagwei, the supreme God (“Father in the Sun”).

- Known for truthfulness and oaths by their graves, symbolizing deep moral integrity.

- Maintain peaceful coexistence with neighboring ethnic groups (Anaguta, Miango, Rukuba).

- Unconquered in battle — including resistance against Usman Dan Fodio's Jihad, whose forces never entered Beromland.

Pre-1900s - Early 1900s

- Society organized into autonomous communities, each led by a Be-Gwom (chief).

- United under a Da Gwom Rwei (paramount leader) at Riyom.

- Berom cultural identity rooted in hunting, farming, and festivals like Mandyeng, Nshok, Mado, and Behwol.

1917-1935 (Colonial Administration)

- British authorities begin consolidating Berom leadership under indirect rule.

- Circular No. 24p/1916 and subsequent memos lead to establishment of recognized native authorities.

- 1935: The British create the Gbong Gwom Jos stool to unify Berom leadership within the Jos Native Authority.

1935-1941

- Da Gwom Dachung Gyang becomes the first paramount ruler of the Berom (Riyom).

- Forms the Berom Tribal Council of chiefs representing Du, Gyel, Vwang, Foron, Bachit, and Riyom.

1947-1969

- Da Rwang Pam becomes Gbong Gwom Jos, officially recognized as Berom paramount ruler.

- Co-founds the Middle Belt Movement (later the Middle Belt Forum).

- Strengthens Berom unity and leadership visibility across Northern Nigeria.

Postcolonial Era (1969-Present)

- Da Fom Bot (1969-2002) succeeds as Gbong Gwom Jos.

- Da Victor Dung Pam (2004-2009) continues leadership.

- Da Jacob Gyang Buba (2009-Present) reigns as current Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Council.

Cultural Development

- Pre-colonial festivals like Mandyeng, Nshok, Worom Chun, and Vwana celebrated hunting, rain, and harvest.

- Postcolonial era: these are merged into the Nzem Berom Festival (from 1940s onward) — held every April to showcase Berom music, dance, and culture.

- Musical instruments include Yom Nshi (banjo), Kundung (xylophone), and Kwag (scraper).

- Berom names (e.g., Pam, Dung, Gyang, Kangyang, Yop) often derive from animals, reflecting hunting heritage.

Today

- The Berom people occupy Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi (Gwol), and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State.

- They remain deeply spiritual, blending Christian faith with traditional values.

- The Nzem Berom serves as a unifying symbol of their enduring culture, heritage, and resilience.