African History 3 of 8: Classical Civilizations And Ancient Civilizations in Africa

Welcome to Classical Civilizations And Ancient Civilizations in Africa  

We will explore Ancient African Kingdoms and Empires and how they interacted with the known world at the time.  These kingdoms existed circa 3500 BCE Classical Egypt to Aksum which is modern day Ethiopia. Christianity arrived in Aksum before it was adopted in Rome which shaped the culture and people. To the West was the Nok people, ancestors to Benue Congo and Bantus People (the largest group of people in Africa)

North Africa has a unique and fascinating History. Before Arabization and Introduction of Islam, the Amazigh People flourished in Numidia and Mauritania. They had a rich culture and History that was disrupted by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals and Seafaring people and later Arabs and Europeans. Introduction of Camels as a beast of burden and later Islam changed the face of North Africa, West Africa and even East Africa. 
The Sao Empire led to the Medieval kingdoms of Kanem and Bornu.  These two which played a major role in intra-African trade between West and East Africa. The Roman Empire sent emissaries to “explore” their empires and that reached Lake Chad. 

Ancient African Kingdoms in the BCE

Week 1: Egypt
Week 2: Carthage
Week 3: Kush/ Nubian Empire
Week 4: Nok and Sao Kingdoms
Week 5: The Kingdom of Aksum