Rediscovery of The Lost Cities of Africa

The lost cities of Africa, long shrouded in mystery, are being rediscovered through archaeological evidence and scholarly research. 

The rediscovery of the lost cities of Africa shows the rich cultural heritage and sophisticated societies that existed on the continent long before the arrival of Europeans. 

As archaeologists continue to uncover more evidence of these ancient civilizations, the mysteries of Africa’s past are gradually being revealed.

Basil Davidson’s book “The Lost Cities of Africa” traces the exciting development of these rich kingdoms, which flourished over fifteen hundred years before European ships first came to African shores.

One such lost city is Kweneng, which dates back to between 1400 and 1875 and lies at the south of Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Using LiDAR technology, archaeologists have recently revealed the true size of Kweneng, which is estimated to have housed 5,000 to 10,000 people. 

Speculation exists that Kweneng may have been involved in gold trading, as it is situated near the Johannesburg gold reef.

Another fascinating lost city is Thulamela, a Shona settlement in a stone citadel in southern Africa. Archaeologists have found evidence of cultural exchange between Thulamela and Kweneng, suggesting a network of trade and communication between these ancient African civilizations.

Kweneng 

The lost city of Kweneng is an ancient settlement located in the Suikerbosrand archaeological site and nature reserve, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The city dates back to between 1400 and 1875 and was once home to between 5,000 to 10,000 people from the Tswana ethnic group.

Discovery and Significance

The city was rediscovered using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which revealed the true extent of the settlement. Prior to this, the site was known but its size and extent were not fully appreciated due to the dense vegetation that hid many of the ruins.

Architecture and Features

Kweneng is characterized by stone-walled passageways that were likely used to channel cattle herds. There are also two large enclosures that are believed to have been used as kraals, pens for nearly a thousand bovines. 

The city features short, squat stone towers at the entrances of some of the larger homesteads, which may have been burial sites for prominent individuals or the foundations of grain bins, indicating higher community standing.

History and Occupation

The city was occupied from the 15th century until the later half of the 1800s. It is believed that the city was destroyed and abandoned likely due to civil wars in the 1820s. However, some structures date back to between 1825 and 1875, indicating that the city continued to exist in some form during this period.

Cultural Significance

The discovery of Kweneng is significant because it fills a historical gap in the understanding of pre-colonial southern Africa, where written records are scarce.

The city provides valuable insights into the lives and culture of the Tswana people, who did not have a written language. 

The findings also challenge the misconception that Africa was a land without history or civilization prior to European colonization.

Archaeological Importance

Kweneng is the largest known pre-colonial Tswana capital and the only known Tswana city that was occupied from the 1400s or 1500s to its pre-classic period in the 1600s. 

The city’s architecture and layout provide a unique window into the lives and culture of the Tswana people, offering a broader understanding of their history and society.

Legacy

The rediscovery of Kweneng highlights the importance of preserving and recording Africa’s pre-colonial history. The city’s story is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and sophisticated societies that existed on the continent long before European colonization.

The second city is 

Thulamela 

Thulamela is an ancient stone city located in the Kruger National Park of South Africa’s northern provinces. The city was built by the Shona people around 800 years ago and thrived between 1350 and 1650 AD. 

It is known for its sophisticated mining skills, converting iron ore into carbon steel for tools and weapons, and its trade along the Swahili Coast.

Architecture and Features

Thulamela is characterized by stone walls and ruins of the royal citadel. The site is believed to have been occupied by the Nyai division of the Shona people, who believed in a mystical relationship between the leader (Khosi) and the ancestors. 

The Khosi lived in a secluded hilltop palace, and his officials included a Messenger, Personal Diviner and Herbalist, Makhadzi (ritual sister), and Khotsimunene (brother).

History and Occupation

Thulamela is a late Iron Age site that forms part of the Zimbabwe culture, which is believed to have started at Mapungubwe. 

The city was discovered by a ranger on foot patrol in 1983, and excavations began in 1991. The site is linked to Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe, other ancient kingdoms that flourished in the region.

Cultural Significance

Thulamela is significant because it provides a window into the lives and culture of the Shona people. The city’s architecture and layout reflect the social hierarchy and spiritual beliefs of its inhabitants. 

The site is also a testament to the advanced mining and trading skills of the Shona people, who traded goods along the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers.

Legacy

Thulamela is set to join the list of national heritage sites in South Africa. The site is open to the public, offering tourists the opportunity to explore the ancient city and its history. The site is also a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and sophisticated societies that existed in Africa long before European colonization.

Davidson’s book also explores the mystery of Meroe, an advanced African culture of the upper Nile several centuries before Christ, as well as the great mediaeval kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, and the merchant cities of the East African coast. 

City of Meroe

The ancient city of Meroe, located in present-day Sudan, is shrouded in mystery and has captivated the curiosity of scholars and explorers for centuries. 

Rediscovery and Exploration

Meroe was first brought to the attention of Europeans in 1772 when Scottish explorer James Bruce stumbled upon its ruins. In 1821, French mineralogist Frédéric Caillaud documented the site’s pyramids, attracting treasure hunters who caused widespread looting and destruction. 

Prussian archaeologist Karl Richard Lepsius later conducted a comprehensive study of the standing monuments in the mid-19th century.

Mysterious Script and Language

Meroe used a distinct script adapted from Egyptian demotic, known as Meroitic cursive, which transcribed an African language. 

This script has only recently been partially deciphered, offering a glimpses into the rich and complex past of Meroe. 

The language has linguistic ties to modern-day Taman in Darfur and Chad, Nyima in the Sudanese Nuba mountains, and Nubian in upper Egypt and Sudan.

Cultural Fusion and Distinctive Art

Meroe’s art and culture reflect a fusion of ancient Egyptian influences and distinctly African elements. Meroitic art often displays a sense of humor, as seen in a blue glass beaker with polychrome scenes depicting offerings to the god Osiris and a Greek inscription urging the drinker to “Drink and may you live [long]”. 

Meroitic objets d’art, such as a turquoise frit mask depicting a laughing woman, also showcase a distinctive style reminiscent of 5th century BC Cypriot sculpture.

Mysterious Decline and Fate of the Civilization

The reasons for Meroe’s eventual decline and abandonment in the 4th century AD remain unclear. Some scholars believe the city was destroyed by the Ethiopian state of Axum, while others speculate that the people of Meroe may have been assimilated or killed by their conquerors. 

The Dogon tribe of Mali, known for their advanced astronomical knowledge, claim Egypt as their heritage, leading to speculation that they may be cultural descendants of Meroe.

Despite ongoing archaeological research, many aspects of Meroe’s history, language, and culture remain shrouded in mystery. As more discoveries are made, the enigmatic civilization of Meroe continues to captivate scholars and the public alike.

In conclusion, These findings of the lost cities of Africa has further challenged the misconception that Africa was a land without history or civilization prior to European colonization.

Continue reading: Why American Celebrities visit Ghana instead of Nigeria