How was Africa before European colonization?

At its peak, prior to European colonialism, it is estimated that Africa had up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs. From the late 15th century, Europeans joined the slave trade. They transported enslaved West, Central, and Southern Africans overseas.

When did they start using forks to eat with?

The fork was introduced to Europe in the 10th century by Theophanu Byzantine wife of Emperor Otto the 2nd. It made its way to Italy by the 11th century and had become popular amongst merchants by the 14th.

What was Africa called before Colonisation?

Alkebulan
According to experts that research the history of the African continent, the original ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. This name translates to “mother of mankind,” or “the garden of Eden.” Alkebulan is an extremely old word, and its origins are indigenous.

Why did Europeans colonize sub-Saharan Africa?

Europeans began arriving at the end of the fifteenth century, driven by the desire for resources, including labor. Slavery had been practiced all over the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa, for centuries.

What was the first European colony in sub-Saharan Africa?

Portugal
Portugal was the first European country to establish colonies in Africa, but it was also the last to leave the continent.

When were eating utensils first used?

500.000-12.000 BC – During the Stone Age of mankind, eating utensils consisted form simple sharp stones intended for cutting meat and fruit. Simple designs of spoons were made from hollowed out pieces of wood or seashells that were connected to wooden sticks.

Who invented utensils?

Fingers, spoons and knives were still the most popular choices when it came to actual eating. Some of the earliest known table forks made their debut in Ancient Egypt. The Qijia culture (2400-1900 BC) that resided in part of present day China also are known to have used forks.

What was Africa like before European arrival?

The peoples of Africa had rich and diverse histories and cultures centuries before Europeans arrived. Africans had kingdoms and city-states, each with its own language and culture. Art, learning and technology flourished, and Africans were especially skilled with medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.

Why did Europeans come to Sub-Saharan Africa?

For centuries, sub-Saharan Africa was home to prosperous empires that made groundbreaking advances in architecture, mathematics, and metalworking. By the end of the fifteenth century, Europeans had begun arriving in the region, wanting to acquire resources such as gold, copper, and rubber. And slaves.

What were the different civilizations in Sub-Saharan Africa?

While ancient Sub-Saharan Africa was almost bare of cities, the period ca. 650-1880 featured a rich variety of civilizations. Pre-colonial Sub-Saharan civilization can be divided into three types: Christian, Islamic, and traditional. Christian Sub-Saharan civilization was limited to Nubia and Ethiopia.

Did Africa have its own civilization before colonisation?

However, Africa had its own forms of commerce, science, art and other measures of civilisation long before the arrival of the colonisers When Europeans arrived in Africa, like everyone who comes from elsewhere into new terrain they had something to say about the way we lived.

How successful were Europeans in colonizing Africa?

Europeans were not universally successful in colonizing Africa. During the Scramble for Africa, Menelik II, the emperor of Ethiopia, fought off Italian invaders and their Eritrean allies in 1896. The subsequent emperor, Haile Selassie, also went on to form a sizable African empire of his own through several military campaigns.