The post discusses the historical interactions between the Bornu kingdom and the Ottoman Empire during the early modern period, focusing on embassies, territorial disputes, and military engagements in the Fezzan region. It highlig...
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Isaac Samuel is the author of African History Extra, a Substack publication dedicated to narrating the continent's neglected past. The website has thousands of subscribers and focuses on providing insights into African history.
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The post explores the significance of fortifications in pre-colonial African military history, particularly during the 1575 siege of Amsaka, illustrating their strategic importance against colonial forces.
The essay analyzes the Hamitic myth's historical roots and its impact on racial ideologies, particularly in relation to slavery and the Rwandan Genocide.
The blog post examines the vital role of ancient African figurative art in understanding the continent's history and cultural complexity, challenging previous Eurocentric interpretations.
Pemba, a historically rich island off Tanzania, played a crucial role in the Swahili trade network and has a complex history shaped by various cultures and influences.
Pre-colonial Africa had advanced medical practices, including surgery and herbal medicine, challenging colonial narratives of African healthcare.
Engaruka, a 15th-century agricultural site in Tanzania, exemplifies advanced irrigation practices and reflects ongoing debates about its origins and historical significance amidst colonial myths.
Samuel Johnson and early African intellectuals played a crucial role in shaping proto-nationalism by preserving African history and identity in the face of colonialism.
The article critiques Jared Diamond's oversimplified views on African history in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel,' arguing for a more nuanced understanding of the continent's past.
Christianity in Africa evolved through local adaptation and inculturation, coexisting with indigenous religions and varying significantly across regions and historical contexts.
Kola was a crucial trade commodity in pre-colonial West Africa, deeply embedded in local culture and economy, and later influenced the development of modern cola drinks.
Umaru al-Kanawi's work reveals the rich interplay of trade and scholarship among West African merchant-scholars, particularly in the context of pre-colonial commerce.
The blog post explores the complex dynamics of slavery in Africa, particularly through the autobiographies of Nicholas Said and Dorugu, highlighting the varied experiences of enslaved individuals and the socio-political contexts o...
The northern Horn of Africa has a rich urban history, particularly during the medieval period (13th-16th centuries), which has been overlooked in favor of earlier Aksumite civilization studies. Recent archaeological findings revea...
The article explores the political history of the Sultanate of Geledi in southern Somalia from the 18th to early 20th century. It discusses the emergence of the Geledi state as a confederation of clans, the role of the Gobroon fam...
The ʿAjamī script, adapted from Arabic in the 10th century, became the primary writing system for various African languages, allowing scholars to document local histories and knowledge across the continent. This script facilitated...
The article explores the historical roles of women in pre-colonial East African societies, particularly along the Swahili coast, highlighting their significant political, social, and economic power from the late Middle Ages to the...
The text explores the political history of various African kingdoms, highlighting their governance systems that included councils and assemblies which limited the power of kings. It discusses the Asante kingdom's state and palace ...
The article explores the diverse monetary systems in the southern half of Africa, highlighting the use of classical and commodity currencies such as cowries, gold dust, and textiles. It discusses the historical context of these cu...
The post explores the origins and development of urbanism in pre-colonial Africa, emphasizing the indigenous roots of African cities and their roles as centers of trade, political authority, and ritual power. It discusses various ...
Sijilmasa was a crucial medieval gold-minting city that connected trade routes between the Mediterranean and West Africa, reflecting the region's historical economic significance.
Ethiopia's megalithic architecture, including stelae and dolmens, showcases a rich historical tradition that continues to evolve from prehistoric times to the modern era.
The blog post examines the Roman Empire's military expeditions and political interactions with African states, particularly focusing on the challenges of exploring regions south of the Sahara.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the architectural history of Ethiopia and Eritrea, highlighting the region's significant ancient stone structures and their cultural significance. It traces the evolution of archite...