The making of Africa from prehistory to early modern times

The course provides a broad introduction to the archaeology of Africa, from prehistory to the early modern period. Africa is the continent where our species first evolved and from which modern humans spread across the globe. Over millennia, the continent has witnessed the development of distinct subsistence strategies, social organization, and urban and cultural dynamics.

The course begins with an overview of the concept of Africa as the cradle of humankind and its prehistoric societies. It then traces the diversification of cultures in northwestern and southeastern Africa. By the turn of the first millennium CE, Africa was a highly dynamic and culturally rich region, home to diverse populations, states, and empires with varying religious beliefs. These societies engaged in trade and developed a wide range of livestock management, agricultural techniques, and craft technologies.

The aim of this course is to map cultures and their shifting ecologies, to highlight Africa’s rich history, and to encourage comparative reflection. You can take the course as a stand-alone module, and it may also be included as an elective in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a range of subjects.