By Aklahyel Goni
Listen up, Men! Let’s set the record straight—Africa is not uncivilized, and anyone perpetuating this lie either lacks knowledge or is intentionally ignoring history. Africa is the cradle of civilization, a continent whose contributions to the world in science, architecture, governance, art, and culture are immeasurable. The narrative that Africa is backward is nothing more than propaganda designed to suppress the truth about our legacy. Let me break it down for you.
The Egyptian Pyramids: An Unsolved Marvel
When we talk about ancient ingenuity, nothing rivals the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Built over 4,500 years ago, these architectural marvels remain an enigma. Western scientists, architects, and engineers have yet to replicate or fully understand how these massive structures were constructed with such precision. The pyramids align perfectly with celestial constellations, feature advanced engineering techniques, and were built with stones weighing up to 80 tons—hauled over hundreds of miles without modern machinery. Who did this? Africans. Egypt is Africa. The knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering required to create these monuments was light-years ahead of its time.
The Benin Kingdom: Africa’s Advanced Civilization
Now let’s talk about the Benin Kingdom, one of the most advanced civilizations in pre-colonial Africa. The Benin City walls, constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, were an extraordinary feat of engineering. Stretching over 16,000 kilometers, they were described by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest earthworks created before the mechanical era. These walls were a testament to the kingdom’s advanced knowledge of urban planning, defense, and resource management.
And let’s not forget the street lighting system of the Benin Kingdom. Long before modern electricity, the kingdom used strategically placed oil lamps that illuminated streets at night. European visitors in the 15th century were astonished by the city’s organization, cleanliness, and infrastructure. The British would later loot Benin’s artifacts during their invasion in 1897, including the famous Benin Bronzes, masterpieces of craftsmanship that still baffle historians and metallurgists.
Timbuktu: Africa’s Intellectual Hub
When Europe was drowning in the Dark Ages, Africa had Timbuktu, a flourishing center of learning and culture in present-day Mali. The University of Sankore housed over 700,000 manuscripts on everything from mathematics to medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. Scholars traveled from across the world to study in Timbuktu. The city was a beacon of knowledge and innovation, proving that Africa was not only civilized but also a global leader in education.
Medicine: Africa’s Contribution to Healing
Long before modern medicine, African societies were pioneers in the medical field. The ancient Egyptians performed complex surgeries and documented medical practices on papyrus scrolls that are studied to this day. Indigenous African medicine introduced the world to remedies that are still in use, such as quinine (derived from African plants) to treat malaria. Don’t forget the remarkable use of vaccination in West Africa, which was introduced to the Americas through enslaved Africans.
Mathematics and Astronomy
Africa’s contributions to mathematics and astronomy are undeniable. The Ishango Bone, discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, dates back 20,000 years and is considered one of the oldest mathematical tools in human history. It demonstrates early knowledge of arithmetic and prime numbers. In astronomy, ancient African civilizations, including the Dogon people of Mali, had advanced knowledge of celestial bodies like Sirius long before modern telescopes.
Trade and Economy
African empires like Mali, Songhai, and Ghana were economic powerhouses. Mansa Musa, the emperor of Mali, is still considered the richest man in history. His wealth was so vast that during his pilgrimage to Mecca, he gave away so much gold that he destabilized the economies of entire regions. Africa’s trade networks connected the continent to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, exchanging gold, ivory, spices, and knowledge.
Architecture and Metallurgy
Africans were masters of metallurgy and architecture. The Great Zimbabwe ruins, with their intricate stonework, showcase the architectural brilliance of the Shona people. These structures were built without mortar, yet they’ve stood for centuries. Metallurgical techniques in places like Nok (Nigeria) and the Kingdom of Kush rivaled those of contemporary civilizations.
Art and Culture
The artistic contributions of Africa are unparalleled. From the Benin Bronzes to the Nok terracotta sculptures and the vibrant textiles of the Ashanti and Yoruba peoples, African art has inspired global movements. Even modern art owes much of its roots to African aesthetics, as seen in the works of Picasso and other European artists who drew inspiration from African sculptures.
Colonial Theft and Suppression
Much of Africa’s brilliance has been stolen, hidden, or suppressed. Colonizers looted treasures, burned libraries, and rewrote history to paint Africa as primitive. The artifacts sitting in European museums today—stolen from African kingdoms—are stark reminders of the advanced civilizations that once flourished.
The Takeaway
Africa is not uncivilized. It never was. The pyramids in Egypt, the streetlights in Benin, the manuscripts of Timbuktu, and the wealth of Mansa Musa all prove that Africa has always been a land of innovation, resilience, and brilliance. The narrative of Africa’s “backwardness” is nothing but a lie crafted to undermine the continent’s legacy.
It’s time we reclaim our history and speak boldly about the greatness of our ancestors. Africa was, is, and always will be a cornerstone of global civilization. Let no one tell you otherwise!
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