Pre-Colonial Africa
During this era Africa was influenced by two major movements: the expansion and consolidation of Islam and the dispersion of the Bantu peoples which led to the the development of many kingdoms and empires. Investigate the impact, interaction, and conflict which arose and the development of trade and exchange -- both of commodities and culture.
The Nilo-Saharan Language Group in Africa
A look at the Nilo-Saharan Language group, one of the four major language groups in Africa as identified by anthropologists and linguistic historians.
A look at the Nilo-Saharan Language group, one of the four major language groups in Africa as identified by anthropologists and linguistic historians.
Nok Culture
Considered the oldest recognisable pre-colonial society in sub-Saharan Africa, the Nok Culture is exemplified by its magnificent terracotta sculptures and the development of iron working. Find out more about this ancient African civilization.
Considered the oldest recognisable pre-colonial society in sub-Saharan Africa, the Nok Culture is exemplified by its magnificent terracotta sculptures and the development of iron working. Find out more about this ancient African civilization.
Nok Terracottas
A distinctive style of terracotta sculpture associated with the ancient African Nok Culture. These terracotta sculptures date from 500 BCE to 200 CE, representing the earliest example of sub-Saharan tribal art.
A distinctive style of terracotta sculpture associated with the ancient African Nok Culture. These terracotta sculptures date from 500 BCE to 200 CE, representing the earliest example of sub-Saharan tribal art.
Timbuktu, the El Dorado of Africa
Timbuktu is widely used to describe a place extremely far away and regarded by many as a myth. In reality it's a city in Mali, West Africa, of such great historical importance that in 1988 it was designated a World Heritage Site.
Timbuktu is widely used to describe a place extremely far away and regarded by many as a myth. In reality it's a city in Mali, West Africa, of such great historical importance that in 1988 it was designated a World Heritage Site.
Askum, Ethiopia
A short article by About.com's archaeology guide on Askum, a powerful kingdom in Ethiopia which rose to prominence in the first century CE.
A short article by About.com's archaeology guide on Askum, a powerful kingdom in Ethiopia which rose to prominence in the first century CE.
Aksum: An African Civilization of Late Antiquity
The Ethiopian kingdom of Aksum existed during the first six or seven centuries CE. Little is really known of this civilization despite being close neighbors to the empire of Rome and the Red Sea. This text provides a comprehensive review of existing knowledge.
The Ethiopian kingdom of Aksum existed during the first six or seven centuries CE. Little is really known of this civilization despite being close neighbors to the empire of Rome and the Red Sea. This text provides a comprehensive review of existing knowledge.
Kilwa Kisiwani - Medieval Trade Center of Africa
On a small island off the coast of the modern country of Tanzania, eastern Africa, lies the site of Kilwa Kisiwani, also called Kilwa, the most important of about thirty-five trading sites on the Indian Ocean during the 11th through 16th centuries AD.
On a small island off the coast of the modern country of Tanzania, eastern Africa, lies the site of Kilwa Kisiwani, also called Kilwa, the most important of about thirty-five trading sites on the Indian Ocean during the 11th through 16th centuries AD.
Kingdom of Mali
Early Mali was governed by a council of caste-leaders, who elected a mansa who ruled. The most famous of these was Mansa Musa who went on a lavish pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324.
Early Mali was governed by a council of caste-leaders, who elected a mansa who ruled. The most famous of these was Mansa Musa who went on a lavish pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324.
The Kingdom of Mali
The kingdom of Mali became a center for trade and culture in the Sahel region south of the Sahara after the decline of Ghana. Supposedly founded around 1230 CE by the magician Sundjata, who has become a legendary figure in African history. The kingdom is most famous for the rule of Mansa Musa, who made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1337 with 500 slaves and 100 camels carrying gold.
The kingdom of Mali became a center for trade and culture in the Sahel region south of the Sahara after the decline of Ghana. Supposedly founded around 1230 CE by the magician Sundjata, who has become a legendary figure in African history. The kingdom is most famous for the rule of Mansa Musa, who made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1337 with 500 slaves and 100 camels carrying gold.
The Kingdom of Songhay
The third major kingdom of the Sahel region (after Ghana and Mali declined) was initially part of Mali, and became the prominent kingdom under the rule of the Sunni King Sonni Ali (1464-1492). At its greatest, Songhay stretched from Mali all the way to Cameroon.
The third major kingdom of the Sahel region (after Ghana and Mali declined) was initially part of Mali, and became the prominent kingdom under the rule of the Sunni King Sonni Ali (1464-1492). At its greatest, Songhay stretched from Mali all the way to Cameroon.
The Kingdom of Ghana
With a history dating back to the fourth century CE, the kingdom of Ghana (or Awkar) was one of the first major kingdoms to develop in the Sahel region south-west of the Sahara. Under the Sonike it became a major power From the eleventh century the Almoravids (Muslim Berbers) attempted to conquer the region, and although the kingdom was never converted to Islam, it went into a decline.
With a history dating back to the fourth century CE, the kingdom of Ghana (or Awkar) was one of the first major kingdoms to develop in the Sahel region south-west of the Sahara. Under the Sonike it became a major power From the eleventh century the Almoravids (Muslim Berbers) attempted to conquer the region, and although the kingdom was never converted to Islam, it went into a decline.
Decades of the New World (1555)
A view of Benin by early European explorers and traders and discover the most sought after trading commodity wasn't gold or ivory but pepper.
A view of Benin by early European explorers and traders and discover the most sought after trading commodity wasn't gold or ivory but pepper.
Gambia's Stone Circles
Gambia may not have pyramids, but it does have mysterious stone circles, which have been dated from around 750 CE.
Gambia may not have pyramids, but it does have mysterious stone circles, which have been dated from around 750 CE.
Traditional Government in Kenya
Before Colonial rule, most traditional Kenyan societies were governed by a council of elders, others by a chief or king.
Before Colonial rule, most traditional Kenyan societies were governed by a council of elders, others by a chief or king.
Ancient Africa
A comprehensive timeline covering Ancient Africa from the 5 million BCE to 500 BCE. An excellent start for academic study as it contains many links to peripheral material.
A comprehensive timeline covering Ancient Africa from the 5 million BCE to 500 BCE. An excellent start for academic study as it contains many links to peripheral material.