Fun Fact Friday: Little-known African history that may surprise you
Africa’s history is rich, diverse, and deeply influential, yet many of its remarkable stories remain largely untold or overlooked in mainstream global narratives. From powerful empires and advanced centres of learning to legendary leaders and groundbreaking achievements, the continent has played a major role in shaping world civilisation for centuries.
As conversations around African identity, heritage, and historical recognition continue to grow, revisiting these lesser-known historical facts offers a deeper appreciation of the continent’s legacy and contributions to humanity. Here are some fascinating African history facts that may surprise you:
1. Africa had world-class universities before Europe’s renaissance
Many people do not know that ancient African centres of learning attracted scholars from across the world long before some famous European universities became prominent.
University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD, is widely recognised as one of the world’s oldest continuously operating universities. Meanwhile, Timbuktu became a major intellectual hub with thousands of manuscripts covering astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and law.
2. Ghana’s ancient empire was one of Africa’s richest kingdoms
The ancient Ghana Empire was not located in present-day Ghana but in parts of modern-day Mauritania and Mali. It controlled key trans-Saharan trade routes and became wealthy through gold and salt trading centuries ago.
This is a great opportunity to explain how the modern country Ghana adopted the name to honour that historic empire.
3. Africans reached the Americas before Columbus — According to some theories
Some historians and researchers believe African explorers may have reached the Americas before Christopher Columbus. One popular theory involves Abubakari II, a former ruler of the Mali Empire, who reportedly launched voyages across the Atlantic in the 14th century.
While debated among scholars, the story remains one of Africa’s most fascinating historical mysteries.
4. Ethiopia defeated a European colonial power in battle
Battle of Adwa remains one of the most significant moments in African history. Ethiopian forces defeated Italy in 1896, making Ethiopia one of the few African nations to successfully resist European colonisation during the Scramble for Africa.
5. African civilisations built advanced cities
Ancient African kingdoms developed organised cities with sophisticated architecture, trade systems, and governance structures.
Great Zimbabwe was built centuries ago using massive stone structures without mortar. It became the centre of a powerful trading empire connected to Asia and the Middle East.
6. The richest man in history was African
Mansa Musa is often described as the richest person in history. His wealth came largely from Mali’s gold resources. During his famous pilgrimage to Mecca in the 14th century, he reportedly distributed so much gold in Egypt that it affected local economies for years.
7. Africans created complex medical knowledge long ago
Ancient African societies practised advanced medicine and surgery. Historical records show that some communities performed successful caesarean sections and developed herbal treatments centuries before modern medicine spread across the continent. Ancient Egyptians also carried out medical procedures and documented illnesses in detailed medical texts.
8. Africa had powerful female leaders
African history includes influential queens and female warriors who led armies and kingdoms.
Examples include:
- Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, who led resistance against British colonial forces.
- Queen Nzinga of Angola.
- Amina, a legendary Hausa warrior queen.
9. Ancient Africans were skilled astronomers
Some African societies studied stars, calendars, and planetary movements long before modern telescopes.
The Nabta Playa stone circle in Egypt is believed to be one of the world’s earliest astronomical sites, older than Stonehenge.
10. African soldiers fought in both World Wars
Hundreds of thousands of Africans fought for colonial powers during World War I and World War II, yet their stories are often overlooked.
Soldiers from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and other African countries served in Europe, Asia, and Africa during the wars.
11. Liberia was founded by freed Black Americans
Liberia was established in the 19th century for formerly enslaved Black Americans. Its capital, Monrovia, was named after US President James Monroe.
12. The World’s oldest human fossils were found in Africa
Africa is often called the cradle of humankind because some of the oldest human remains were discovered on the continent. Important discoveries have been made in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, helping scientists understand human evolution.
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