A Study of Precolonial Urban Africa

Africa’s precolonial era of urban development lasted from approximately 3000 BC until the colonial era began in the sixteenth century AD. During this period, urban centers were built in regions of high ecological and economic potential, such as the Mediterranean coast, the Nile towns of Nubia, West Africa, and the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. Studying key cities in each of these areas demonstrates the rich history of precolonial Africa as well as the continued influence of these sophisticated cultures. Using historical records, archeological findings, and analysis of urban trends of cities such as Carthage, Meroe, Djenne, and the Great Zimbabwe, a pattern of precolonial urbanization is established. There are several attributes that are indicative of an urban conglomerations being considered a city. Cities were centers of population, religion, arts and culture, political and military strength, industry, and commerce. Despite these factors, precolonial African cities and towns were, at their root, agrarian. Urban development occurred in areas where social, economic, and environmental resources were advantageous to settlement. Population pressure, especially in areas such as the Nile River Valley, was also an important factor as the habitable areas were limited. These areas of high potential, combined with populations with technological abilities to produce, store, and transport a food surplus led to urban development. While many of these precolonial cities declined centuries ago, their impact on modern African culture and geography is still evident.