Moshoeshoe I, the founder and king of the Basotho Kingdom (current-day LESOTHO), was known for his military superiority and diplomatic capabilities. He was a key figure in defending Lesotho against European colonization and helping the country’s independence. Moshoeshoe was the son of a Koena chief, and his original name was Lepoqo. Moshoeshoe earned a reputation as a leader as a …

The Rozvi Empire (1684–1866) was a Shona state established on the Zimbabwean Plateau by Changamire Dombo. The term “Rozvi” comes from the Shona word “kurozva,” which means “to plunder.” It refers to their history as a warrior nation. Origins Following the death of King Matope, Dombo or Changa relocated to the south and established the Rozwi Kingdom. In establishing the …

The Maasai are an African indigenous ethnic group of semi-nomadic people who live in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Because of their distinct traditions, customs, and dress, as well as their proximity to East Africa’s many national game parks, the Maasai are among the most prominent African ethnic groups and are well-known internationally due to their ties to the national parks …

The Hadza are a Rift Valley indigenous ethnic group who live around Lake Eyasi. They are descended from Tanzania’s aboriginal hunter-gatherers, and they have lived on the same area for thousands of years. The Hadza are one of the world’s last hunting-gathering cultures. The Hadza’s manner of life has remained almost unchanged. The Hadza Tribe of Hazdabe is considered to …

Africa is home to a diverse range of complex and ancient civilizations that have thrived for thousands of years. Africa now boasts a vast variety of historical sites that can convey tales of long-forgotten cultures and people. The 75,000-year-old Adam’s Calendar believed to be create by Bokoni people in South Africa is one of these remarkable historical sites. Blaauboschkraal stone …

Some 22,000 years ago, Khoisan were the largest group of humans on earth: the Khoisan, a tribe of hunter-gatherers in southern Africa. The Khoisan were the first people in Southern Africa, and their history is fascinating. Long before the first settlers arrived on South African shores, there were various groups of people who spread out sparsely across the land. These …

Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al-Turi, known as Askia Muhammad I (1443–1538), was the first king of the Songhai Empire’s Askia Dynasty, ruling from 1493 to 1528. In modern Songhai, he is known as Mamar Kassey and is also known as Askia the Great. Askia Muhammad expanded his dominion, making it the largest in history of West Africa. The Songhai Empire …

Africans drilled tiny holes in snail shells and strung them as beads to create the world’s oldest known jewelry around 75,000 years ago The beads were discovered in South Africa’s Blombos cave, on the southern Cape coast. The 41 shells were discovered in groups of up to 17 shells. They came from Nassarius kraussianus, a small mollusc scavenger that dwells in …

Ndumbo Tembo protected Tchokwe sovereignty and resources by establishing an autonomous territory with tight restrictions on European access. The Tchokwe were able to maintain their independence thanks to Ndumba Tembo’s efforts. The Chokwe people, also known as the Kioko, Bajokwe, Chibokwe, Kibokwe, Ciokwe, Cokwe, or Badjok, are a Central and Southern African ethnic group. They’re mostly found in Angola, the …

Khama was highly regarded as a peace-loving king who prioritized technological achievements such as the construction of schools, scientific cattle-feeding, and the establishment of a mounted police force, which effectively suppressed crime. Because of his good rule of developing his nation and caring for his people England granted him permission to remain independent of Bechuanaland. Khama was known for being …