Recent discovery reveals that the early Africans were responsible for many scientific and technological advancement. From West Africa to East Africa, ancient Africans were pioneers in many fields, including astronomy, medicine, mathematics, architecture, agriculture and metalworking. They were at the forefront of progress. And while their contributions have not gotten much attention, it is clear that Africa has always been a powerhouse of creativity and innovation.
One of the most notable civilizations that made significant contributions to science and technology was ancient Nubia. Located in what is now Sudan, the Nubians developed Meroitic hieroglyphs, a unique form of writing that was used until around 400 AD. They were also responsible for creating some of the first pyramids in Africa, which were impressive feats of engineering.
But Nubia is just one example of the many civilizations across Africa that made significant contributions to science and technology. For instance, the Kingdom of Kush was a prosperous empire that flourished during the height of the Egyptian Empire. The Kushites were experts in agriculture, and they developed new methods for irrigating their crops. They also pioneered new techniques for milling grain, which helped them become one of the wealthiest kingdoms in Africa.
In addition to agriculture, ancient Africans were also skilled in medicine. The Papyrus Ebers, an ancient Egyptian medical text, is considered one of the oldest medical documents in history. Written around 1550 BC, it contains descriptions of over 700 medicinal plants and their uses. Ancient Egyptians also developed surgical instruments, such as scalpels and forceps, and were skilled in performing surgeries.
Ancient Africans also had advanced knowledge of mathematics, which they used in building impressive architectural structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was constructed by the ancient Egyptians using complex mathematical formulas. The Nubians, too, were known for their architectural prowess, and their buildings were renowned for their beauty and grandeur.
Metalworking was another area in which ancient Africans excelled. They were highly skilled in crafting bronze and copper, and their works featured intricate details depicting scenes from battles and ceremonies. This artistic tradition continued through the ages, with many African civilizations producing stunning works of metal art.
Finally, Africa has a long and illustrious history in the field of astronomy. From the ancient Egyptians to the Nubians, Africans were leaders in making astronomical discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe today. For example, the ancient Egyptians developed a sophisticated calendar based on astronomical observations, while the Nubians used the stars to navigate the Nile River.
In conclusion, Africans have made significant contributions to science, technology, and the arts throughout history. From ancient Nubia to the Kingdom of Kush and beyond, their innovative spirit and curiosity have led to groundbreaking discoveries in a wide range of fields, including astronomy, medicine, mathematics, architecture, and metalworking. Though Ivan Van Sertima is late, his legacy lives on. He was an associate professor at Rutgers University, and made a significant contribution in the field of African studies. He was an associate professor at Rutgers University, and he wrote extensively about the contributions that Africans have made to world civilization.
One of Van Sertima’s most famous works is “They Came Before Columbus”, which explored the role that Africans played in the development of world civilizations. He asserted that many achievements of ancient cultures were due to African influence.
Africa’s contribution to Astronomy
Astronomy, the study of the universe beyond our planet, is a field of science that has been practiced for thousands of years. Some of the earliest astronomical discoveries were made by civilizations such as the Egyptians and Nubians. These civilizations used their knowledge of astronomy to make important advances in mathematics, time-keeping, and navigation. For centuries, ancient Africans studied the skies, charting the movement of the sun, moon, and stars, and developing an advanced understanding of the cosmos.
The Egyptians studied the skies closely and were able to observe and record movements of celestial objects with great accuracy. They developed an advanced calendar 365 ¼ days that was used to predict the seasons so that religious events and annual flooding of the Nile could be planned and executed efficiently. Additionally, the Egyptians developed a system of timekeeping that utilized both sundial-like devices and water-powered clocks. This allowed them to keep a precise record of the movement of celestial bodies. The astronomy knowledge of the Egyptians was so advanced that they were even able to predict events such as eclipses.
The Kenyan civilizations also made remarkable contributions to astronomy by constructing the African Stonehenge about 300 BC. This structure was used to track the movement of the sun, moon, and stars and served as a calendar. It was highly accurate and had stood the test of time.
The Nubians were another African civilization that made significant advances in astronomy. They were among the first civilizations to study and observe variable stars, which can change their brightness over time. Their advanced star catalogue contained information about over 1,000 stars that were used by astronomers for centuries.
The Dogon people of Mali made one of the most remarkable contributions to astronomy. They knew about the existence of Sirius B, a star that is not visible to the naked eye, centuries before it was discovered by Western astronomers with the use of a telescope. The Dogon people were also able to precisely plot the orbits of the planets in our solar system for over 100 years. They had advanced knowledge about the primary star and the Sirius B star, which is incredibly dense. It wasn’t until many years later that the Western world would confirm the existence of this star.
The astronomy knowledge of Africans was so advanced that it still baffles researchers in the present day. Many of their discoveries were initially credited to space aliens due to their mind-boggling effect. African astronomers were able to make predictions and observations that were highly accurate and left scientists astonished for centuries.
One possible reason why African astronomy was able to survive for so long in the face of modernization and colonialism is that this knowledge was simply too valuable to be ignored. They had an intricate understanding of the movement of celestial bodies and of the universe as a whole. The knowledge that Africans possessed was highly respected and valued by later astronomers. These African contributions paved the way for further explorations in the field of astronomy.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize the important contributions made by African civilizations to the field of astronomy. Africans brought new knowledge to the table, making ground-breaking discoveries about the universe that they lived in. Their contributions were highly accurate and advanced, and some of their discoveries were not confirmed until much later by Western astronomers. The impact of African astronomy on our understanding of our universe cannot be overlooked. It continues to inspire researchers and scientists to this day.
Mathematics
Africa has always been a land of great thinkers and innovators. Even today, Africa is home to some of the most brilliant minds in mathematics. Many modern high-school-level concepts in mathematics were developed in Africa including the first method of counting.
The study of mathematics has a long and rich history in Africa, dating back over 35,000 years ago to the ancient Egyptians. These early mathematicians produced textbooks containing formulas for calculating areas and volumes of shapes, predicting Nile floods, and solving algebraic problems. It is clear that the Egyptians were truly ahead of their time, even developing their own measurement system, where they believed a circle had 360 degrees and estimated the value of Π at 3.16.
However, the Egyptian tradition of mathematics was just the beginning of Africa’s vast contributions to the subject. West Africa, in particular, has a strong mathematical heritage. The Yoruba and Zaria people, for example, developed their own complex numeric system, which they based on a unit of 20 instead of 10. This system was highly revered by scholars due to its high level of complexity, requiring a great deal of subtraction and mathematical skill to identify different numbers accurately.
But West Africa’s mathematical contributions go beyond its unique numeric system. The region has also contributed to the field of geometry. The famous Sankore Madrasah, now present-day Mali, was a center for scientific studies and research between the 13th and 17th centuries. This institution produced scholars who contributed to various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. In the area of geometry, the Sankore Madrasah scholars introduced accurate measurement techniques and the idea of geometric proofs.
Another significant contribution from Africa is in the field of algebra. The ancient Egyptians were pioneers in the field, and West Africans also developed their methods of solving algebraic equations. For example, the Berbers of North Africa had a unique approach to solving a quadratic equation using geometric methods, which involved drawing squares on a wall and finding their side lengths. This methodology was a precursor to modern-day algebraic computing.
Even in modern Africa, mathematicians have continued to make significant contributions to the field. For example, the mathematician Dr. David Bassey from Nigeria developed several techniques in mathematical modeling and analysis, with particular applications in fluid dynamics and mathematical biology. Another example is Abdoulaye Banire Diallo from Guinea, who achieved international recognition for his work in non-linear partial differential equations.
In conclusion, Africa has a rich history and tradition of mathematics that spans thousands of years. Through Africa’s unique systems, techniques, and approaches, mathematicians have pioneered several fields within the subject, including geometry, algebra, and modern applications like mathematical modeling.
Architecture and engineering
Africa’s contribution to architecture and engineering extends far beyond the popularly known pyramids of Egypt. The continent is endowed with remarkable structures and inventions that have stood the test of time and amazed the world for centuries. From Zimbabwe to Mali, ancient African architects and engineers designed and built impressive structures that continue to fascinate us to this day.
One of the most notable examples stands in Egypt – the Great Pyramid of Giza. This architectural feat was the largest of 118 pyramids built by the ancient Egyptians, covering a massive 13 acres of land. What’s more, the Great Pyramid was constructed using over two million blocks of stone, each weighing around 2.5 tons, making it among the most awe-inspiring architectural achievements in history.
The Zimbabwean people were not slouches either when it came to engineering and architecture. In the 12th century, they were reported to have constructed a 250-meter-long curved granite wall that weighed about 15,000 tonnes. The gravity defying act still wows architects and engineers, with marveling at how such a structure was built by people without sophisticated equipment and tools.
Apart from walls and pyramids, ancient African cities also boasted of incredible feats in engineering and architecture. Take the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, for instance, where craftsmen created bronze sculptures using the lost wax casting method over 500 years ago. Another notable West-African city, Timbuktu, had mosques and universities dating back to the 13th century, which served as a hub for learning.
The city of Zimbabwe, which was once a prominent trading center and the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, had stone structures, known as Zimbabwe objects, which were castle-like compounds with numerous rooms for specific tasks such as iron-smithing. These structures had intricate features like narrow passageways and masonry that have remained unexplained to date.
African ingenuity has helped shaped the world we live in today. Its creativity and ingenuity have continued to impress people worldwide while remaining shrouded in mystery. Even today, several structures dating back centuries continue to stand tall, a testament to the unmatched engineering skills of early Africans. Even today, many parts of the continent remain largely unexplored. This is especially true when it comes to the continent’s rich history and culture.
Metallurgy and tools
From the Ancient Benin Kingdom to the Yoruba people, Africans developed a plethora of tools, weapons, and art that have shaped modern industry and manufacturing. One of the most significant contributions of African metallurgists was the development of metal chisels, saws, and copper and iron tools and weapons.
These tools were used for everyday tasks such as farming, carving, and building and proved to be a game-changer for many African societies. Africa’s unique geological conditions allowed for the mining of high-quality metals like copper and iron, making it an excellent place for metalworking to take root.
The Ancient Tanzanian people were particularly inventive when it came to metallurgy. Their furnaces were made of sturdy metal, with intricate designs carved into them. These furnaces were used for smelting copper and iron, and they could reach temperatures as high as 1800oc, making them the hottest tools of their time. It is obvious that the Ancient Tanzanian people were far more advanced than any other culture at that time, and their furnace design still impresses even today’s experts.
African metallurgists also produced materials like nails, glue, and carbon steel and bronze weapons and art. These items continue to be used in modern manufacturing, and their value cannot be underestimated.
Moreover, Africa’s contribution to metallurgy is not just limited to tools and weapons as it also helped advance other fields like agriculture, transportation, and communication. The use of metals in agriculture improved crop yield, and roads built from metal tools made transportation more accessible. The development of metal tools for communication meant that long-distance communication became more manageable and faster.
The continent’s unique geological conditions allowed for the mining of high-quality metals like copper and iron which made it a hotbed for metalworking and innovation. From the Ancient Benin Kingdom to the Yoruba people, Africans developed tools, weapons, and art that are still in use today.
Medicine
Report has it that Africans were the pioneers of medicine. They used herbs for fever, diarrhea, pain and even as disinfectants. Some of the plants they used even had anticancer properties. Africans were also the ones who discovered ouabain, capsicum, physostigmine and reserpine.
Medicine is an integral part of human life. It is a field dedicated to the study and treatment of diseases, and it has been evolving over centuries. Modern medicine has made tremendous progress in the past few decades, and we owe a lot to the researchers, doctors, and scientists who work tirelessly to make our lives safer and healthier. However, what many people are not aware of is that Africa has a rich history in medicine, which dates back to ancient times.
The history of African medicine is long and colourful. Africans were using natural remedies to heal their body and mind long before modern medicine came into existence. They used plants, roots, and herbs to treat all kinds of illnesses, including fever, diarrhea, pain, and even as disinfectants. Their knowledge of medicinal plants was so vast that many of these techniques are still being used today.
One of the most remarkable aspects of African medicine is that they were using plants with anticancer properties. The use of plants for treating cancer is not a new concept, and it dates back to ancient times when there were no modern treatments available. The African healers discovered that plants like the Madagascar periwinkle and the African peach had potent anticancer properties. They shared their knowledge with the world, and these plants are now widely used in modern medicine.
Africans were also the ones who discovered several important medicines that are still in use today. Some of these include ouabain, capsicum, physostigmine, and reserpine. Ouabain is used to treat heart failure, while capsicum is used to relieve pain caused by arthritis. Physostigmine is used to treat glaucoma, and reserpine is used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines have made a significant impact on modern medicine and have greatly improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Another incredible aspect of African medicine is their use of surgical procedures. Africans were performing advanced medical procedures like autopsy, limb traction and broken bone setting, brain surgery, skin grafting, filling of dental cavities, installation of false teeth, anaesthesia, and tissue cauterization under antiseptic conditions. Their knowledge was so vast that many of their techniques are still being used today. They had a deep understanding of human anatomy, and their surgical techniques were highly advanced for the times.
In conclusion, Africans have played a crucial role in the development of medicine. Their use of natural remedies, discovery of medicines, and advanced surgical techniques have greatly contributed to modern medicine. This is a remarkable discovery that has the potential to change how humans view Medicine. It is clear that the world have much to learn from Africa’s ancient healers, their ingenuity and courage in using natural remedies to treat illness.
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Navigation
When it comes to navigation, Africa has always been a key player. From the earliest days of maritime travel, African sailors were at the forefront of exploration, sailing to far-off lands and establishing new trading routes. They were also responsible for some of the earliest advances in navigation.
West African countries like Mali and Songhai were particularly advanced in this field, and their boats were among the largest and most sophisticated in the world. They could carry up to 80 tons of cargo, and were able to travel long distances without getting lost. These boats were driven by skilled sailors who used the stars and natural landmarks to guide them on their journeys. They were able to navigate some of the world’s most treacherous waters, such as the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
African sailors continued to be instrumental in this trade, as they navigated the Indian Ocean using their skilled knowledge of the sea. But perhaps the most significant contribution that African sailors made to navigation was in the discovery of America. Historians believe that Africans were the first to settle in South America, long before the Europeans arrived.
Report has it that White settlers arrived America in the 16th century where the native Americans also known as the Black creek native Americans (Part of the Muscogee tribe before the Indian Removal Act of 1830), the indigenous Americans lived. This discovery was made possible due to the skilled sailors who navigated the Atlantic Ocean, which was considered one of the world’s most dangerous at the time.
Africa’s long and proud history of navigation continues to this day. The development of satellite navigation systems, for example, has revolutionized the way boats and ships are guided through difficult waters. Ghana, in particular, has become a world leader in this field, with its use of satellite navigation systems that support safe and efficient navigation of ships on the high seas.
In recent years, Mali has also developed groundbreaking new methods for navigating large boats in difficult waters. Using a technique called “traffic separation schemes,” which involves dividing traffic lanes for vessels, Mali has been able to reduce the number of collisions between boats and improve safety for all sailors.
Through Africans knowledge of the sea and the stars, they were able to forge new trade routes, discover new lands, and overcome a number of challenges along the way. Today, their legacy lives on, with African sailors continuing to make important contributions to the field of navigation.
For example, in recent years, Mali has developed groundbreaking new methods for navigating large boats in difficult waters. And Ghana has become a world leader in the use of satellite navigation systems.
Africa was known for its traditions and customs, possibly those very same practices were the driving force behind some of these amazing advancements in technology and science. This isn’t to say indigenous traditions and values are just another way to make a great cup of tea or sort out a dispute, but they were also integral resources used to make incredible discoveries.
Some may argue that without Africa’s native customs and traditions, early Africans would not have achieved such magnificence in science, technology, and agriculture. What a wild thought! Think about it: something as simple as a conversation between two people could hold the potential answer to a centuries-old question. Many may have underestimated African culture for far too long. Understanding African ingenuity in precolonial Africa will allow Africa to discover its true potential.
