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What Was Africa Doing Before the Chains and Slavery
Before the horrors of slavery and colonialism reshaped Africa’s history, the continent was home to some of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and powerful civilizations. Far from the false narrative of a “dark” continent awaiting European discovery, Africa was thriving — with kingdoms, empires, art, education, trade, religion, and innovation.
Powerful Kingdoms and Civilisations
Long before European ships arrived to enslave millions, Africa had already developed great empires with rich political and cultural systems:
• Ancient Egypt (Kemet): Known for the pyramids, hieroglyphics, and advanced knowledge in medicine, architecture, and astronomy, Ancient Egypt remains one of the most iconic civilizations in world history.
• The Kingdom of Kush (Nubia): Located in modern-day Sudan, Kush ruled over parts of Egypt and built its own pyramids, palaces, and trade networks.
• Mali Empire: At its peak in the 14th century under Emperor Mansa Musa, Mali was a center of wealth, trade, and Islamic scholarship. The city of Timbuktu had libraries and universities attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.
• Great Zimbabwe: Known for its massive stone structures and complex society, Great Zimbabwe was a center of trade in gold, ivory, and cattle.
• Benin Kingdom: In modern-day Nigeria, Benin was renowned for its advanced governance, military strength, and exquisite bronze and ivory artworks.
• Ethiopian Empire (Abyssinia): Ethiopia had its own Christian monarchy dating back to the 4th century and maintained independence during much of the colonial scramble.
Trade and Wealth
Africa was far from isolated. Its gold, salt, spices, textiles, and precious stones were exported across the world. Trading cities like Gao, Kilwa, and Carthage were major economic hubs connected to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through the Trans-Saharan trade routes and the Indian Ocean trade network.
Education and Religion
Timbuktu was home to the University of Sankoré, which had tens of thousands of manuscripts on science, law, medicine, and religion. Islam and Christianity had deep roots in parts of Africa centuries before European arrival, coexisting with traditional African spiritual beliefs that valued nature, ancestors, and community.
Art, Culture, and Innovation
African societies produced stunning bronze sculptures, textiles, music, dance, and oral traditions. The Ife and Benin bronzes, Dogon astronomy, and Ashanti gold work reflect a deep artistic and technological heritage.
Social Structures and Governance
Many African communities operated under structured systems of governance—monarchies, councils of elders, or democratic assemblies. Women played significant roles in leadership, trade, and spirituality in several societies.
Conclusion: Africa Before the Chains
Before the slave ships and colonial exploitation, Africa was not a blank slate. It was a continent of brilliance, complexity, and accomplishment. The narrative that Africa was “saved” or “civilized” by Europeans is not only false, but dangerously misleading. The chains of slavery disrupted centuries of growth and set back entire societies. Yet, even through that darkness, Africa’s legacy endures — powerful, resilient, and undeniable.
Understanding what Africa was before slavery helps us honour the past and reclaim a fuller, richer history that has too long been ignored.
Attached is a news article regarding Africans was doing before slavery and chains that impacted Africans.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1624_story_of_africa/page54.shtml
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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