Introduction To The History Of African Civilization Precolonial Africa

Introduction to the History of African Civilization explores the major issues dominating African Civilization from the earliest recorded period to the eve of colonial conquest of the continent. C. Magbaily Fyle begins with a discussion of the myths and prejudices underlying most analyses of African issues, and moves into a discussion of the origin of humanity; the similarities between the classical Nile valley civilizations of Egypt, Nubia, Kush, and Axum; and the spread of Islam through African societies. He portrays the systems of precolonial government and society, including the role of women in governance, as well as traditional trade and agricultural patterns. Fyle provides a new perspective on the Islamic Jihads, shifting focus from Sokoto and Macina to the Senegambia and the Upper Guinea region, and a revised interpretation of the Atlantic slave trade, which includes the importance of African objectors to this process. He also discusses important cultural features such as the traditional African food, architecture, and typical structures of towns.

This second volume of Introduction to the History of African Civilization examines Africa's history in the controversial twentieth century. It focuses on the methods of domination that were employed by colonial powers, and the new methods of domination, which were invented and employed by Western nations in the post-colonial period. While the book covers the partition of Africa, the nature and impact of colonial rule and the post- colonial situation in Africa, it is not simply a history text, for it investigates matters usually avoided in historical studies of twentieth century Africa, including the psychological impact of colonialism on the emergent middle class. Also explored is the impact of the IMF and World Bank on African economies in the post-colonial era.

Historical overview of the role of African cultures in world history.

Breaking new ground in African historiography, the authors cover the period from pre-historic times to post independent Africa. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the reconstruction throws light on the economic, social and political activities of African societies before and after colonisation; and the rich African civilisations which were inward as well as outward looking. It is demonstrated that Africans were influenced by Christianity and Islam long before colonialism, and that Africa interacted with the Europeans and people from Asia in the field of trade over a long period. Sixteen chapters are prefaced by a full synopsis of the sources of African history.

With his focus on pre-colonial Africa, Christopher Ehret provides in this volume a complete overview of African history. He examines African inventions and civilizations from 16,000 BCE to 1800 CE, from the northern tip of Tunisia to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. Organized by topic and era, it reveals the diversity of African history. It explores the wide range of social and cultural as well as technological and economic change in Africa, and it depicts African agricultural, social, political, cultural, technological and economic history in relation to developments in the rest of the world. This book could be fruitfully combined with histories of Africa since 1800 to build up a full and well-rounded understanding of the roles of Africa's people in human history.

Covers the history of the entire African continent, from prehistory to the present day A Companion to African History embraces the diverse regions, subject matter, and disciplines of the African continent, while also providing chronological and geographical coverage of basic historical developments. Two dozen essays by leading international scholars explore the challenges facing this relatively new field of historical enquiry and present the dynamic ways in which historians and scholars from other fields such as archaeology, anthropology, political science, and economics are forging new directions in thinking and research. Comprised of six parts, the book begins with thematic approaches to African history—exploring the environment, gender and family, medical practices, and more. Section two covers Africa’s early history and its pre-colonial past—early human adaptation, the emergence of kingdoms, royal power, and warring states. The third section looks at the era of the slave trade and European expansion. Part four examines the process of conquest—the discovery of diamonds and gold, military and social response, and more. Colonialism is discussed in the sixth section, with chapters on the economy transformed due to the development of agriculture and mining industries. The last section studies the continent from post World War II all the way up to modern times. Aims at capturing the enthusiasms of practicing historians, and encouraging similar passion in a new generation of scholars Emphasizes linkages within Africa as well as between the continent and other parts of the world All chapters include significant historiographical content and suggestions for further reading Written by a global team of writers with unique backgrounds and views Features case studies with illustrative examples In a field traditionally marked by narrow specialisms, A Companion to African History is an ideal book for advanced students, researchers, historians, and scholars looking for a broad yet unique overview of African history as a whole.

With his focus on pre-colonial Africa, Christopher Ehret provides in this volume a complete overview of African history. He examines African inventions and civilizations from 16,000 BCE to 1800 CE, from the northern tip of Tunisia to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. Organized by topic and era, it reveals the diversity of African history. It explores the wide range of social and cultural as well as technological and economic change in Africa, and it depicts African agricultural, social, political, cultural, technological and economic history in relation to developments in the rest of the world. This book could be fruitfully combined with histories of Africa since 1800 to build up a full and well-rounded understanding of the roles of Africa's people in human history.