Uncovering Forgotten African Kingdoms and Their Legacies

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Editorial – Africa’s history is rich, complex, and profound, yet much of it remains shrouded in mystery or misrepresented by centuries of colonial narratives.

Beyond the stories often told in history books lies an unending list of powerful kingdoms, sophisticated societies, and thriving trade empires that once dominated the continent.

At the heart of this narrative stands the majestic Great Zimbabwe monument, a symbol of African ingenuity and a testament to a civilization that flourished long before European colonization.

Today, historians, archaeologists, and cultural preservationists are working tirelessly to uncover these untold stories, ensuring that Africa’s true heritage is recognized and celebrated.

Great Zimbabwe, located in the southeastern hills of the country near the oldest Zimbabwean City of Masvingo, is arguably one of Africa’s most iconic ancient cities.

Dating back to between the 11th and 15th centuries, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of present day Zimbabwe during the Late Iron Age.

The sprawling stone complex, which includes the Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex, and the Valley monument, stands as a marvel of engineering.

Built entirely without mortar, its dry-stone walls rise as high as 11 meters and stretch over 800 meters in circumference.

This architectural feat is a symbol of the Shona people’s mastery of stonework and urban planning.

Great Zimbabwe was more than just an architectural wonder—it was a hub of trade, culture, and governance.

Archaeological evidence reveals that it was linked to extensive trade networks, dealing in gold, ivory, and copper with regions as far afield as China and the Middle East.

Beads, coins, and pottery from Persia and China found at the site bear witness to its international connections.

While Great Zimbabwe was thriving in the south, the Mali Empire was at its zenith in West Africa.

Established in the 13th century, Mali became synonymous with wealth, particularly during the reign of Mansa Musa, often regarded as the richest man in history.

Mali’s influence extended far beyond its borders through its control of the trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold, salt, and slaves were the primary commodities, but the empire also became a beacon of learning and culture.

The city of Timbuktu, with its legendary universities and libraries, housed tens of thousands of manuscripts that remain crucial to understanding Africa’s intellectual history.

Mali demonstrated that African civilizations were not only economically powerful but also culturally and academically sophisticated.

Far to the northeast, the Kingdom of Axum (or Aksum) in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries.

Known for its monumental obelisks, advanced architecture, and early adoption of Christianity, Axum was a true crossroads of civilizations.

It controlled trade routes connecting the Roman Empire, India, and Arabia, exporting gold, ivory, and incense.

Axum’s introduction of a written script (Ge’ez) and its role as one of the earliest Christian kingdoms in the world underline its global significance.

Today, Axum’s relics and traditions continue to influence Ethiopian culture, offering a direct link between ancient heritage and modern identity.

On the western coast of Africa, the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Nigeria) rose to prominence between the 13th and 19th centuries. Renowned for its sophisticated governance system and remarkable artistry, Benin produced the world-famous Benin Bronzes—intricately crafted plaques and sculptures that adorned the royal palace.

These bronzes, many of which were looted during colonial invasions and are now housed in European museums, depict the kingdom’s history, rituals, and daily life in extraordinary detail.

Their return to Africa has become a global discussion point in the movement for the restitution of stolen heritage.

Benin also demonstrated advanced urban planning, with city walls and moats that stretched for hundreds of kilometers—longer than the Great Wall of China.

For centuries, colonial historians dismissed or downplayed Africa’s achievements, often attributing its monuments to foreign builders or deeming them anomalies.

Great Zimbabwe, for example, was once falsely claimed to have been built by outsiders, despite overwhelming evidence of its African origin.

Today, there is a renewed effort to reclaim Africa’s narrative.

UNESCO’s recognition of these sites as World Heritage treasures is one step, but more needs to be done.

Schools across Africa are beginning to include indigenous history in their curricula, while documentaries, exhibitions, and cultural festivals are shining light on these long-forgotten empires.

Remembering and honoring these ancient kingdoms is not merely an academic exercise; it has profound implications for Africa’s present and future.

By reconnecting with their past, Africans can build a stronger sense of identity, pride, and unity.

Tourism is another major benefit. Sites like Great Zimbabwe, Timbuktu, and Benin City have the potential to become thriving centers of heritage tourism, bringing in revenue and creating jobs while preserving cultural heritage.

Moreover, these stories challenge the stereotypes that have long defined Africa in global discourse.

They reveal a continent of wealth, innovation, and resilience—a continent that contributed significantly to world history.

Preserving these sites is an urgent task. Many face threats from climate change, urbanization, and neglect.

In Zimbabwe, initiatives are underway to protect the Great Zimbabwe ruins, improve visitor infrastructure, and engage local communities in conservation.

Collaborations between African nations, universities, and international organizations are helping digitize manuscripts, repatriate stolen artifacts, and promote research.

The push to return the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria is one example of how cultural justice is being pursued.

The forgotten kingdoms of Africa are more than relics; they are living symbols of what the continent has achieved and what it can aspire to once more.

From the towering walls of Great Zimbabwe to the scholarly halls of Timbuktu, the obelisks of Axum, and the bronzes of Benin, these sites whisper stories of ingenuity, wealth, and global influence.

As Zimbabwe positions Great Zimbabwe as a cornerstone of its cultural identity and tourism strategy, the message is clear: Africa’s greatness is not a future goal—it is a heritage that has always been there, waiting to be embraced.

Keywords:
African history, Great Zimbabwe, Mali Empire, Axum, Benin Kingdom, African heritage, forgotten kingdoms.