Introduction
It is often challenging to understand the history of the early modern period in the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa. The misleading narratives and false historical accounts often propagated by Eurocentric perspectives have significantly influenced the global understanding of this era. This article aims to provide a more accurate and inclusive view of the history of these regions, to uncover the truth behind the claims of colonialism and the subsequent rewriting of history.
Europe’s Ancient History and Its Whitewashed Narratives
Before delving into the comparison between the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, it is essential to address the whitewashing of Europe’s ancient and medieval history. Much of Europe’s history, particularly coastal Mediterranean regions and the British Isles, has been either minimized or twisted to fit Eurocentric narratives. For instance, there is irrefutable evidence of the presence of elephants and elephant hunters in Southern Europe, a stark contradiction to the popular Eurocentric account that places this region under the influence of Levantine traders and not African explorers.
The historical records of elephants in Southern Europe are depicted on ancient coins, jewelry, and royal headdresses. It is evident that the earliest inhabitants of the Mediterranean region were blacks with African ancestry, as evidenced through pictorial and written records.
Europe’s Naming and Early Settlement
Europe, particularly coastal areas, has a history of being referred to as "Africa" in ancient literature. Western Europe was actually anciently known as Africa and was first settled by Africans and ruled by African kings. King Gormundus, King of Africa, who ruled in Ireland and England, is a prime example of this. Moreover, the reign of King Gormundus is correctly documented in Irish and English official annals, further confirming the historical ties between these regions.
Rethinking Religious Beginnings in the Old World
The history of Christianity is often portrayed as a purely European phenomenon. However, evidence suggests that Christianity in its earliest forms was not a solely white phenomenon. Iconic figures like Jesus and several early Christian saints, such as Saint Nicholas of Myra, were described as black. This depiction challenges the Eurocentric view of early Christianity and encourages a reexamination of religious history.
The Globalized Kongo Empire
The Kongo Empire, a Christian state established by 1491, held significant global diplomatic missions. This is despite the false narratives suggesting that this empire was discovered by the Portuguese. The Kongo Empire had embassies in Lisbon, Rome, and Holland, with a documented presence in Brazil in the 17th century. This historical fact is often omitted in Eurocentric accounts of colonialism.
The Congo River: A Misleading Narrative
The false narrative suggesting that the Congo/Zaire River was discovered by Portuguese Captain Diego Cao in 1482 is debunked with historical facts. Ancient Greek scholars, such as Aristotle, referred to the Congo/Zaire River as the River-God Chremetes, which shared the same source as the Nile in the Silver Mountains of Ethiopia. The river flows into the South Atlantic Ocean at Banana in Kongo Central, a fact that contradicts the Eurocentric historical accounts.
Phoenician Explorations and Ancient Trade Routes
European narratives often overlook the ancient explorations of Phoenicians along the West-Central African coast. They documented their encounters with African empires and kingdoms. This ancient trade route was continued by the Azanian people, known as the Zanj, who were skilled maritime traders and craftsmen. The use of boats like the Mtepe further contradicts European claims of maritime dominance.
The Oldest Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Many of the oldest cities in the world are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to recent archaeological findings. Cities like Kano in Nigeria, Djenné in Mali, and Axum in Ethiopia have been continuously inhabited and developed for centuries. These cities are part of a rich urban heritage that is often overlooked in Eurocentric histories.
Conclusion
It is time to challenge the Eurocentric biases in our historical narratives and recognize the contributions of Africa to global history. The Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa have a rich, complex history that deserves accurate representation. By reexamining ancient texts, archaeological findings, and scholarly works, we can uncover a more complete and inclusive understanding of the early modern period.