Glossary
Aksum's Adoption of Christianity
The historical event where the Aksumite Empire, under King Ezana, became the first African society to officially embrace Christianity, a decision made independently of later colonial influences.
Example:
Aksum's Adoption of Christianity demonstrates early African agency in shaping its own religious landscape, distinct from European missionary efforts centuries later.
Aksumite Coin
A tangible artifact from the Aksumite Empire, often depicting King Ezana and symbols of his conversion to Christianity, serving as evidence of Aksum's economic power and cultural shifts.
Example:
An Aksumite Coin is more than just currency; it's a historical document that reveals the empire's wealth and its ruler's religious affiliations.
Aksumite Empire
A powerful ancient kingdom located in Eastern Africa (present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia) that flourished from around 100 BCE, strategically positioned on the Red Sea to control major trade routes connecting the Mediterranean, Roman Empire, and India.
Example:
The Aksumite Empire was a true economic powerhouse, developing its own currency and script due to its extensive international trade networks.
Ancient Africa in African American Texts
The practice, beginning in the late 18th century, where African American writers referenced the achievements of ancient African civilizations to counter racist stereotypes, build a positive identity, and lay groundwork for scholarship and activism.
Example:
Early abolitionists used the rich history of Ancient Africa in African American Texts to challenge prevailing narratives that depicted African peoples as uncivilized.
Ancient Societies and African Independence
The strategic use of historical evidence about advanced ancient African civilizations to bolster arguments for African self-rule and independence from European colonialism in the mid-20th century, challenging the 'civilizing mission' justification.
Example:
The study of Ancient Societies and African Independence provided a powerful historical foundation for leaders advocating for decolonization, proving Africa's long history of self-governance.
Egypt and Nubia (Kush/Cush)
Two of the earliest complex societies that emerged along the Nile River around 3000 BCE, known for their agricultural advancements, trade, and periods of both cooperation and conflict.
Example:
The rich history of Egypt and Nubia demonstrates how powerful civilizations developed along the Nile, influencing each other through trade and even periods of conquest.
Ge'ez script
An ancient Semitic script developed by the Aksumite Empire, which was used for writing and is still the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church today.
Example:
The enduring legacy of the Ge'ez script highlights Aksum's significant cultural and intellectual contributions to the region.
King Ezana
A significant ruler of the Aksumite Empire in the 4th century CE, known for his conversion to Christianity, making Aksum the first African society to officially adopt the religion.
Example:
King Ezana's decision to embrace Christianity had a profound and lasting impact on the religious and cultural identity of Ethiopia.
Nile River
A crucial geographical feature in Northeast Africa that provided fertile soil for agriculture and served as a vital transportation route, enabling the development and sustenance of ancient civilizations like Egypt and Nubia.
Example:
Without the annual flooding of the Nile River, ancient Egyptian civilization would not have been able to sustain its large population or develop its complex societal structures.
Nok Sculpture
A general term for the terracotta artworks created by the Nok Society, significant for being among the earliest figurative art from sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrating advanced artistic and metalworking traditions.
Example:
The intricate details on a Nok Sculpture provide invaluable insights into the aesthetic values and technological capabilities of early West African societies.
Nok Society
An ancient civilization in West Africa (present-day Nigeria) dating back to around 500 BCE, recognized as one of the earliest ironworking societies in the region and famous for its distinctive terracotta sculptures.
Example:
The discovery of the Nok Society's artifacts provided crucial evidence of advanced, settled civilizations in sub-Saharan Africa long before European contact.
Nubian Rule (Black Pharaohs)
A period around 750 BCE when Nubian kings from the Kingdom of Kush conquered and ruled Egypt for nearly a century, integrating Egyptian customs while maintaining their distinct Nubian identity.
Example:
The era of Nubian Rule, often referred to as the 'Black Pharaohs,' showcases a significant reversal of power dynamics between the two Nile civilizations.
Terracotta sculptures
Distinctive clay artworks produced by the Nok Society, depicting human and animal figures with detailed features, hairstyles, and jewelry, representing some of the oldest figurative art from sub-Saharan Africa.
Example:
The intricate terracotta sculptures of the Nok people reveal their sophisticated artistic skills and provide insights into their ancient culture.