ENG 213 Digital Public Communication Project

Historical Diversity

These variations are reflected throughout the languages, customs, and past narratives of the continent, resulting in Africa being a rich historical patchwork of human' history.

Ancient Civilizations/ Medieval Kingdoms

Colonial Era

Post Independence

Ancient Civilizations/ Medieval Kingdoms:

The ancient African societies were highly varied and powerful.

Egypt- With its amazing pyramids and advancements in writing (hieroglyphics) and medicine, ancient Egypt is among the most well-known. Evidence for this can be found in the fact that ancient Egyptian surgery was extremely sophisticated and that the word hieroglyph, which means "god's words," was used to describe a variety of tools that surgeons used that are still in use today, including scissors, forceps, and strips of linen tied around reeds to form splints. Hieroglyphs were considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians.

Kingdom of Kush- Known for its ironworking, the Kingdom of Kush, positioned south of Egypt, merged aspects of Egyptian and African culture. In Meroë, smelting iron and crafting iron tools, weapons, and implements were the primary industrial crafts. Iron gave its hunters and farmers improved tools and equipment. Thus, a portion of Meroës success, expansion, and prosperity can be credited to the discovery and application of iron. At the junction of the Blue and White Niles, in the central region of the Nile, stretching north to Aswan, Meroë, a portion of Kush which is also known as Nubia, an older version of ancient Egypt. Though it originated in native Africa rather than in the Mediterranean or beyond the Red Sea, Kush's original capital, Kerma, rose to supremacy before 3,000 BCE. Kerma served as both a central political community and a significant commercial hub.

Carthage (Tunisia)- Carthage, in present-day Tunisia, was a great trading empire and Rome's competitor. Carthage emerged as the wealthiest city in ancient times because of the Carthaginians' exceptional trading capabilities, allowing them to travel across the Mediterranean with their goods. Anyone with the means bought and sold metals, food, slaves, and exquisite manufactured products like gold jewelry and beautiful fabric. The Iberian Peninsula was the primary location for Carthage's trade, which was crucial as it provided them with the majority of their tin and silver. Carthage obtained a significant amount of tin from trading with the Cassiterides, who lived across the Sahara and sea. They also exchanged tin and silver with neighboring Phoenician cities.

Zimbabwe- The trading of gold and ivory, as well as the magnificent stone constructions, were the hallmarks of Great Zimbabwe, as it is recognized today in Zimbabwe. Its proximity to the coast supported Great Zimbabwe and its economy to reap enormous benefits. The locals were profitable when running copper mines and discovering gold in the nearby rivers. Trade with northern Africa and Asia was especially beneficial because of their access to ivory and valuable metals.

Mali Empire- Under Mansa Musa in particular, the Mali Empire was immensely successful and an important center for Islamic scholarship. The Mali Empire became famous for its scholarly pursuits and rich cultural diversity. Located in the middle of the empire, Timbuktu was home to numerous universities and madrasas that transformed into an established focus of Islamic education and learning. The collection of libraries at Timbuktu was recognized for holding thousands of manuscripts on a variety of topics, including science, mathematics, medicine, and literature.

Each of these civilizations made significant contributions to Africa's cultural and historical landscape in addition to the world.

Colonial Era:

Significant changes occurred during the colonial era as a result of European powers splitting the continent and establishing new borders. This resulted in a mingling of cultures, languages, and conflicts that continue to affect Africa to this day. In Africa, colonial rule arrived late and lasted just a brief duration. European colonial powers conquered Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was mostly over by the 1960s, colonial control posed a threat to some Africans but provided opportunities for others. For historians of Africa, reconstructing the complex structures of this period is a difficult commitment. Africa had the biggest impact on Yoruba land. At least half of the freed Africans by the 1840s came from the Yoruba people, whose lands at this time offered significant opportunities for independent traders as well as for individuals trying to introduce Christian and Western values/customs into African culture. These two situations resulted from the Oyo empire's inability to set up a strong central administration that could keep firm control over the regions it had conquered.

Post Independence:

Following their independence in the middle of the 20th century, African countries have made an effort to confront the effects of colonialism, celebrate their heritage, and reclaim their identities. In the early years following independence, African countries opposed the exploitation of their continent by colonial powers. Regardless of their ideological leanings, governments believed that creating a new global economic order and regaining their political and economic agency was the most important work of the day. They ingeniously addressed the material concerns of most common people, in contrast to the modern externalization of policy making.

Personal Reflection:

Being here at NKU I've learned how to explore myself, dig deeper in writing, evaluate sources properly, manage my time wisely, and how to communicate with others professionally). Having Dr. Krouse as my teacher I've learned skills that will ultimately benefit me in life. Going back to the books I've read in this course gave me a realization that we all suffer from challenges of displacement and how colonialism plays a major role in diversity and the importance of education.

Cites Used:

Page updated

Report abuse

Historical Diversity

Ancient Civilizations/ Medieval Kingdoms:

Colonial Era:

Post Independence:

Personal Reflection:

Cites Used:

Ancient civilization/ medieval kingdoms:

Colonial Era:

Post Independence: