Africa

Ancient places can be found all over Africa. Their fascinating histories and impressive artifacts open intriguing glimpses to times past, and open up a window on African history. Visiting such historical places in Africa can be an unforgettable experience.

Science is constantly discovering new archaeological places and uncovering more evidence into what we once thought we knew about our history, therefore offering new pieces to the ever changing puzzle of humanity’s past and altering how we interpret it. This section will present ancient African history articles, highlighting the most interesting archaeological sites all over Africa, as well as new discoveries of ancient places that are worth paying a visit.

Kingdom of Loango, a productive trade center. Source: Public Domain

8 June, 2023 - 18:15 Aleksa Vučković

Selling Their Souls: Kingdom of Loango, Africa’s Pre-Colonial Power

At the time when European explorers were first setting foot in Africa, the continent seemed to them a vast and enchanting realm with many unique cultures. They also encountered proper kingdoms that...

Roman Kiosk and Apedamak (lion god) temple in Naqa, Nubia Sudan. Source: YiannisMantas/Adobe Stock

30 May, 2023 - 14:57 Aleksa Vučković

The Ancient City of Naqa - The Kushite Religious Stronghold

For centuries the ancient Nubian Kingdom of Kush stood as a potent rival of the neighboring Ancient Egypt. Over countless generations, the rising Kushite polity engaged in intermittent warfare, trade...

The Draa Abul Nagaa tomb being investigated. Source: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

26 May, 2023 - 01:55 Robbie Mitchell

Ancient Marvels Revealed: Exploring Draa Abul Nagaa's Hidden Tomb (360° Video)

In a remarkable archaeological find, the ancient tomb of Draa Abul Nagaa, dating back 3,500 years, has been unearthed in Egypt. This significant discovery provides valuable insights into the lives...

Ancient city of Dougga. Unesco World Heritage Site in Tunisia. Source: Konstantin Aksenov/Adobe Stock

25 May, 2023 - 22:58 Robbie Mitchell

Uncovering the Wonders of Dougga: A City that Embodies the Spirit of the Roman Empire in Africa

The ancient city of Dougga, found in present-day Tunisia, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Roman Empire in Africa. With its numerous temples, theaters, and triumphal arches...

Step pyramid of Djoser. Source: Pavle / Adobe Stock.

19 May, 2023 - 16:59 Robbie Mitchell

Tracing the Origins of the First Pyramid (Video)

The Great Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly some of the most recognizable structures in the world. But just 10 miles south lies the Necropolis of Saqqara , an ancient cemetery that is home to 11...

Moving Abu Simbel. Source: Rare Historical Photos.

19 May, 2023 - 01:57 Robbie Mitchell

The Massive Project to Move Abu Simbel 200 Feet Up a Cliff Face (Video)

The world is home to many fascinating architectural wonders that have stood the test of time, withstanding natural disasters , wars, and the ravages of time. However, some monuments face a new threat...

Timkat. Source: Wallpaper Flare / CC by SA.

18 May, 2023 - 21:00 Robbie Mitchell

The Challenging Rituals of Ethiopia’s Christian Timkat Ceremony (Video)

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is a unique branch of Christianity that traces its roots back to the earliest days of the faith . For those who follow this ancient religion, the annual Timkat ceremony...

Warriors of the Kingdom of Kush. Source: Horticulture / Adobe Stock.

17 May, 2023 - 16:56 Robbie Mitchell

Secrets of the Kushite Empire and How They Took Over Egypt (Video)

The Kushite takeover of Egypt is a story that is often overlooked in history books. Most of what we know about the kingdom of Kush comes from the perspective of the Egyptians , who wrote everything...

A 1572 depiction of the city of Kilwa on Kilwa Island from Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg's atlas Civitates orbis terrarum. Source: Public domain

16 May, 2023 - 14:54 Robbie Mitchell

The Kilwa Sultanate: The Island State That Dominated Medieval East Africa

The Kilwa Sultanate was a powerful and prosperous city-state that once dominated the Swahili coast of East Africa. For centuries, this kingdom thrived as a hub of international trade, connecting the...

Salt mine (representational image). Source: Paweł Mielko / Adobe Stock.

14 May, 2023 - 16:54 Robbie Mitchell

Salt of the Earth: A Look Inside the Ancient Mines of Mali (Video)

The salt mines of Mali have been in operation for centuries and offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years. The miners work tirelessly in the...

Shea butter making in Ghana. Source: nomadphotographs / Adobe Stock.

12 May, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

Women's Gold: The Shea Butter Makers of Ghana (Video)

For centuries, women in West Africa have been turning shea nuts into butter, known as "women's gold", as it is the only source of income for many families in northern Ghana . However, the biggest...

Pyramids of Sudan. Source: zampe238 / Adobe Stock.

11 May, 2023 - 16:53 Robbie Mitchell

Explore the Waters Below Sudan’s Desert Pyramids (Video)

Deep in the desert sands of northern Sudan lies the ancient site of Nuri , home to more than 20 pyramids and the final resting place of Sudan's greatest pharaohs. These pyramids were the primary...

Hide tanning in Morocco. Source: Jorge / Adobe Stock.

7 May, 2023 - 17:00 Robbie Mitchell

Ancient Tradition of Hide Tanning is a Foul and Dirty Job (Video)

In the ancient alleys of Fez , Morocco lies a 600-year-old tannery infamous for its foul stench. The tannery is a place where animal hides go through a filthy and smelly process to be transformed...

A reconstruction of Lucy, an Australopithecus afarensis. Source: procy_ab / Adobe Stock.

5 May, 2023 - 16:49 Robbie Mitchell

The Life and Death of ‘Lucy’ on The Prehistoric Savanna (Video)

Imagine a world vastly different from ours, teeming with creatures long extinct, and ancient human ancestors struggling to survive against all odds. That was the African savanna roughly 3.5 million...

Egyptian mummy. Source: esebene / Adobe Stock.

4 May, 2023 - 21:01 Robbie Mitchell

The Accidental Mummy: How Did Mummification Begin? (Video)

Mummification has long been an area of interest in history, and the potential origins of this practice have been a subject of discussion for some time. A possible explanation was discovered in the...

Detail of the 1,900-year-old statue of the Buddha found at Berenike, an ancient port city in Egypt by the Red Sea. Source: Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

3 May, 2023 - 18:43 Sahir

Statue Reveals Buddhists Likely Mingled with Roman’s In Egypt

Ancient history is replete with examples of cross-cultural ties that have transcended all kinds of boundaries, even before telecommunications and travel existed the way we know today. A reminder of...

Egyptian pharaoh. Source: Ivan / Adobe Stock.

3 May, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

How Egyptian Pharaohs Projected Divine Power (Video)

For centuries, the imposing monuments of Giza have fascinated people from all over the world. From the Great Sphinx of Giza, with its massive stature and enigmatic smile, to the sun temple of Pharaoh...

Ancient Koumbi Saleh, a busy center of trade. Source: dasom/Adobe Stock

30 April, 2023 - 18:16 Lex Leigh

Gold, Salt, and Islam: The Story of Koumbi Saleh

Koumbi Saleh was one of the most important economic centers in West Africa during its peak around the 9th century. This wealthy trade city was once a hub of economic activity, with trade, agriculture...

What Was Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Really Like? (Video)

29 April, 2023 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

What Was Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Really Like? (Video)

The ancient civilization of Egypt has long been a source of intrigue and fascination for people around the world. From the monumental pyramids to the mysterious hieroglyphs , the culture and history...

Ancient Egypt hieroglyphics. Source: Andrii Vergeles / Adobe Stock.

26 April, 2023 - 20:58 Robbie Mitchell

15 Incredible Discoveries from Ancient Egypt (Video)

Egypt is a civilization that continues to fascinate, enlighten, and puzzle people to this day. Archaeologists are constantly discovering new artifacts and learning more about this ancient...

Vanilla beans. Source: ankreative / Adobe Stock.

22 April, 2023 - 21:03 Robbie Mitchell

The Plight of Madagascar's Vanilla Farmers: A Battle Against Theft and Poverty (Video)

Vanilla, the second most expensive spice in the world, is worth its weight in gold . Its unique flavor and fragrance are highly sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts around the globe. However,...

African king. Source: Aleksandr Borisenko / Adobe Stock.

16 April, 2023 - 17:02 Robbie Mitchell

The Life and Times of Mansa Musa: The Richest Man in History

Mansa Musa , the ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is believed to be the wealthiest person in history, with a net worth of $400 billion in today's dollars. For reference, that’s four...

The Bansa, or residence of the King of Kongo, and capital of the Kingdom of Kongo was called St. Salvador or Mbanza-Kongo, seen here in 1745. (Public domain)

10 April, 2023 - 14:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Rise and Fall of Central Africa’s Mighty Kingdom of Kongo

Nestled between the Congo River and the Atlantic Ocean lies a hidden gem of African history: the Kingdom of Kongo. Despite its vast territory spanning modern-day Angola, Congo and Gabon, this...

Moses parting the Red Sea. (pozitivo / Adobe Stock)

28 March, 2023 - 22:59 Annette Duckworth

Why Mount Sinai is in Egypt and Other Exodus Enigmas

Historians have dedicated significant efforts to authenticating the biblical narratives of the Exodus. Despite their best efforts, the actual locations of the events described in the account remain...

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