The Long and Rich History of Africa Before European Arrival
Questioning the assertion that Africans had no history until the coming of Europeans is crucial for understanding the depth and breadth of the historical and cultural heritage that Africa has to offer. Indeed, the diversity of African civilizations and kingdoms pre-existed European contact and left indelible marks on the map of global history.
Africa boasts countless ancient empires and kingdoms, such as the Mali Empire, the Ghana Empire, Nubia, Axum, Ethiopia, Carthage, Songhai, Kanem-Bornu, and the Swahili city-states. The history of these and other notable kingdoms and nations is rich and multifaceted, spanning centuries and millennia. However, dismissing African history prior to European contact is a gross misrepresentation of the continent's true past.
The Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza - Ancient African Wonders
The Great Sphinx of Giza, created around 2500 BC, and the Great Pyramid of Giza, constructed around the same time, stand as monumental testaments to ancient African civilization. These structures were built by the Egyptians, a people who were indigenous to the African continent. The Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the head of a man and the body of a lion, and the Great Pyramid, a true wonder of the world, both provide evidence of advanced architectural and engineering skills developed within African societies.
The Pharaonic Legacy - Africa's Long History
Egypt, often referred to as Kemet or Kush, is indeed an integral part of Africa. Its recorded history dates back at least 100,000 years. Before Egypt was Kemet and Kush, the Great Lakes region of East-Central Equatorial Africa witnessed the rise of the earliest recorded empire, Kitara. This ancient empire predated Kemet and Kush by thousands of years, dating back to the Bronze Age. The word 'Kitara' is a source of suppressed information, discarded in Eurocentric discourse that traces all history back to Europe.
Eurocentrism and the Suppression of African History
Euocentrisim, rooted in the ideology of white supremacy, attempts to establish Europe as the center and origin of world history. This perspective leads to the marginalization and exclusion of African and other non-European contributions to global heritage. European scholars and institutions often dictate the narrative of history on a global stage. Yet, Africa's history begins and extends far beyond the arrival of European explorers.
Kitara and the Aquatic Civilization of the Great Lakes
Kitara, located in the Great Lakes region of East-Central Equatorial Africa, is not just a historical footnote; it is at the heart of the continent's ancient past. The inhabitants of Kitara were part of an aquatic civilization, settling near the shores of expansive lakes. Artifacts linked to ancient Egypt have been found elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to the creation of national parks where these discoveries are studied. Some of the oldest national parks in Africa, such as the Virunga National Park, were established to safeguard archaeological treasures rather than solely to protect wildlife.
Archaeological Sites and Ancient Civilizations
Archaeological sites in Africa hold keys to understanding the continent's deep history. For example, the Virunga National Park in northeastern Congo is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, the twin lakes (Lake Edward and Lake Albert) that are the sources of the White Nile, and the Semliki River, all important features mentioned in ancient texts. Additionally, the Ishango Bone, the oldest known mathematical tool and lunar calendar, was discovered in the Ishango Village, further emphasizing the advanced knowledge of the people of this region.
The African Legacy in Ancient Texts
Ancient Egyptian and Greek texts provide insights into Africa's past. For instance, texts describe the long voyage along the Nile that began at the source of the river, located near the Great Lakes. These sources indicate that the Egyptian ancestors were fishermen rather than farmers, living in a unique environment characterized by the interplay of fire and snow. These ancient texts also mention Kitara, indicating its importance in the region's history.
The African continent has much to offer in terms of historical and cultural heritage. The dismissal of African history prior to European contact is both inaccurate and harmful. Understanding and celebrating the rich history of Africa is essential for a more accurate portrayal of world history. It is through the continued exploration and study of archaeological sites and historical texts that we can unravel the complex and fascinating past of the continent.