A significant part of Africa’s heritage lies in the kingdoms and empires that thrived across its diverse landscapes. An all-too-often overlooked chapter in the curriculum, Africa’s history is a testament to the power, wealth, and cultural achievements of its past civilisations.
We often associate ‘empires’ and ‘kingdoms’ with the goliaths of the Eastern and Western narratives, however, you can’t consider the pyramids of ancient Egypt without its connection to the continent of Africa. Equally, the bustling and legendary city of Timbuktu in Mali has a rich heritage. Some of the most remarkable African kingdoms and empires have left a powerful mark on the continent’s history.
MKN2FF // West Africa, 1547. // Pictures Now
Ancient Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs
No discussion of African kingdoms and empires would be complete without considering one of the world’s oldest and most iconic civilisations: Ancient Egypt. Yes, the ancient Egyptians were African. Located in the north-eastern part of Africa along the banks of the Nile River, the people of ancient Egypt were indigenous to the African continent, and their culture, society, and civilisation developed within the African geographical context.
With a history that spans thousands of years, it’s important to note that the concept of “race” as we understand it today did not exist in the same way in antiquity, and the people of ancient Egypt would have been a diverse ethnic group. At the same time, with African roots, the civilisation of the ancient Egyptians emerged and thrived into what is now modern-day Egypt. Egypt’s history and influence extended to interactions with various cultures (including Nubian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern), yet it is firmly established as an integral part of Africa’s historical and cultural heritage.
Cultural legacy:
- Advancement in the fields of science, mathematics, and medicine.
- Intricate systems for farming and production.
- Distinctive architecture and influence on the arts.
- A writing system that remains a source of fascination for scholars to this day.
Carthage: Masters of Mediterranean Trade
Carthage was an ancient city-state and civilisation located in today’s equivalent, Tunisia, found in North Africa. A prominent Phoenician colony, Carthage grew to become an eminent maritime empire and trading hub in the western Mediterranean region. The Carthaginians, who lived in Carthage, were of Phoenician origin, and their civilisation was African in the sense that it was situated on the African continent.
When it came to trade and politics across the Mediterranean, the Carthaginian Empire played a significant role. Known for its complicated relationship with the Roman Republic, a series of conflicts known as the Punic Wars erupted between the two. One of Carthage’s most famous figures, Hannibal, led an army with elephants in its ranks across the Alps to challenge the Romans during the Second Punic War.
Cultural legacy:
- A maritime superpower.
- Prowess in trade and naval warfare.
- Vast network of colonies and controlled trade routes.
- Influence throughout the Mediterranean.
The Kingdom of Aksum: Ethiopia
An ancient African civilisation, the Kingdom of Aksum (or Axum) was once located in the regions of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It emerged in the northern region of the Horn of Africa and was built around its capital city, growing to become one of the most prominent and influential kingdoms of the ancient world.
This seat of influence thrived from around the 4th to the 7th century CE and was known for its advanced culture, towering obelisks, role in early Christianity and prominence in early trade. Aksum benefited from its strategic position along major trade routes, forging a connection between the African interior with the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and even reaches of Asia. Aksum’s legacy is at the root of African history and heritage, firmly establishing it as an African civilisation.
Cultural legacy:
- One of the earliest Christian kingdoms.
- Significant trade network.
- Development of the region’s cultural and political history.
West African Empires: Ghana (c. 6th to 13th century CE)
Known to history as the “Land of Gold”, the illustrious Ghana Empire was found in what now encompasses Mauritania, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Because it was situated along the trans-Saharan trade routes, the empire was able to access valuable commodities. Indeed, the Ghana Empire’s wealth mainly came from its control of the coveted gold and salt trade routes, where it held a virtual monopoly on these greatly valued resources. Power sat with the centralised government and emperor known as the “Ghana”, and the empire’s capital was Koumbi Saleh.
Cultural legacy:
- Establishment of a strong central authority.
- Fostering of trade.
- Contribution to the spread of Islam in the region.
West African Empires: Mali (c. 13th to 16th century CE)
The setting sun of the Ghana Empire in the 13th century led to the rise of the Mali Empire, whose heartland was in the upper Niger River valley. Sprawling across Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, and parts of Burkina Faso, Mali prospered from the gold and salt trade. The empire controlled key byways, including the lucrative Trans-Saharan trade routes. One of Mali’s most famous rulers was Mansa Musa, who is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in history. He is known for his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca and his ardent support of Islamic scholarship and architecture.
Cultural legacy:
- Development of architecture.
- Legacy in education.
- Timbuktu: a center of learning and scholarship.
West African Empires: Songhai (c. 15th to 16th century CE)
Located in the western Sudan region, the Songhai Empire encompassed parts of Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, surpassing the Mali Empire. Like its predecessors, the Songhai Empire’s economy was heavily reliant on trade, utilising the gold-salt trade routes across the Sahara Desert. At that time, salt was as valuable as gold. Notable rules reigned over the Songhai Empire, including Sunni Ali, who expanded the empire through military conquests, and Askia Muhammad, who promoted Islamic scholarship and governance.
Cultural legacy:
- Well-organised bureaucracy.
- Strong military presence.
- Flourishing Islamic culture.
- Gao: significant hub of trade and scholarship.
Great Stone Cities: The Kingdom of Zimbabwe
Mighty and powerful, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe was an ancient African city-state with a legacy worth exploring. The kingdom is believed to have thrived during the late Iron Age, with the height of its powers from the 11th to the 15th centuries CE. However, the exactitude of these origins remains the subject of ongoing archaeological and historical research.
This society took part in trade with other African civilisations, as well as with traders from the Arab world and later, European explorers. While not as well-documented, archaeological findings suggest complex artistic and cultural expressions from this era, including pottery, metalwork, and stone carvings. In addition, The Great Zimbabwe is considered is considered one of Africa’s most important locations and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, serving today as a symbol of African heritage and a testament to the engineering and construction skills of its inhabitants.
Cultural legacy:
- Architectural ingenuity and impressive stone structures.
- Hub of trade, culture, and craftsmanship.
- Continues to intrigue archaeologists and tourists.
Considering that we’ve only really scratched the surface of it, the history of African kingdoms and empires is rich and complex – particularly in terms of cultural, economic, and political diversity. While many of these empires have faded, their legacies continue to inspire and inform our understanding of Africa’s past. We encourage further research and studies into these remarkable kingdoms and empires in order to recover stories and share a greater appreciation of Black history.
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