This is a list of kingdoms in pre-colonial Africa, which existed before the Scramble for Africa (c. 1880–1914) when most of the continent came under the control of European powers.
Some kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Ardra in Benin, Buganda in Uganda, or the Kingdom of Bailundo in Angola, still exist today as non-sovereign monarchies, with varying legal and constitutional statuses within their respective countries.
Historian Jan Vansina (1962) discusses the classification of Sub-Saharan African Kingdoms, mostly of Central, South and East Africa, with some additional data on West African (Sahelian) Kingdoms distinguishing five types, by decreasing centralization of power:
The Islamic empires of North and Northeast Africa do not fall into this categorization and should be discussed as part of the Muslim world.
Ancient history (3600 BC – AD 500)
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Main article: Ancient history |
Ancient history refers to the time period beginning with the first records in writing, approximately 3600 BC. It ends with the fall of several significant empires, such as the Western Roman Empire in the Mediterranean, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Gupta Empire in India, collectively around 500 AD.
Postclassical Era (AD 500–1500)
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Main article: Postclassical Era |
The Postclassical Era, also referred to as the Medieval period or, for Europe, the Middle Ages, begins around 500 AD after the fall of major civilizations, covering the advent of Islam. The period ends around 1450–1500, with events like the rise of moveable-type printing in Europe, the voyages of Christopher Columbus, and the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Constantinople.
Modern history (1500–present)
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Main article: Modern history |
The Modern Period covers human history from the creation of a more global network (i.e. contact between the Americas and Europeans) to present day.
Non-exhaustive list of known pre-colonial kingdoms and empires on the African continent.
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Further information: History of North Africa |
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Further information: History of East Africa |
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Further information: History of West Africa |
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Further information: History of Central Africa |
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Further information: History of Southern Africa |