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African Kingdoms: An Encyclopedia of Empires and Civilizations is a reference
book on African civilization before the 1880s, when Europeans started to colonize
much of Africa. States, kingdoms, and empires in precolonial Africa provide a clear
window into the sophistication of African political, social, religious, and cultural
institutions before the era of colonialism. Readers will encounter great men and
women as well as notable events and achievements that ushered dramatic changes
around the continent. Great scientific advancements, elaborate military and politi-
cal institutions, intellectualism, and artistic prowess, among other achievements,
were significant hallmarks of African precolonial civilization, which this encyclo-
pedia highlights. The period covered reflects the change and continuity in African
politics, which also informed the names of political entities, the vision of their
leaders and “ordinary” people, their achievements and follies, and the pattern of
their relations with the external world. While civilization such as that of Egypt
emerged in ancient times, others such as the Ibadan Empire came into existence in
the 19th century. The size of each kingdom was also shaped by the extent of human
population or settlement, the environment, and other core physical or natural fea-
tures. Thus, African civilizations functioned within the context of the opportunities
and limitations imposed by the natural environment and humans’ consistent at-
tempts to transform it to meet their needs.
Regardless of when African empires, kingdoms, and states came into existence
or the extent of their size and fame, one fact remains indisputable—Africa was a
powerhouse of glorious civilizations. And as we shall see in the introduction, the
term “civilization” needs to be rigorously contextualized to accommodate the di-
versity of ideas and practices among Africans from one era to another. The story of
African civilization told from the perspectives of empires, kingdoms, and states
validates the significance of a shared heritage of humanity across the world. From
the history of warfare to the invention of writing and intellectualism, African
Kingdoms: An Encyclopedia of Empires and Civilizations seeks to train a bright
light on hidden historical treasures that validate the complex social, political, and
religious institutions of the people of African past.
This encyclopedia contains a total of 91 alphabetically arranged entries cover-
ing the length and breadth of Africa. The entries attempt to trace the foundation of
each kingdom, empire, and state to both internal and external political develop-
ments. The absence of written data in many parts of Africa in the precolonial period
Preface
