They Came Before Columbus summary

Exploring the African Presence in Pre-Columbian America

In They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima, we embark on a thought-provoking journey to explore the African presence in pre-Columbian America. Van Sertima begins by challenging the conventional narrative that Christopher Columbus was the first to 'discover' the Americas. He argues that Africans had visited and settled in the New World long before Columbus set sail.

Van Sertima introduces us to the Olmec civilization, a highly advanced society that flourished in what is now Mexico around 1200 BC. He points out the striking similarities between the facial features of the colossal stone heads created by the Olmecs and those of African people, suggesting that the Olmecs may have had African origins.

Tracing the Footsteps of African Mariners

The author then delves into the maritime capabilities of ancient African civilizations, particularly the Egyptians and the Nubians. He presents evidence that these societies had the technological prowess to undertake transatlantic voyages. Van Sertima suggests that these seafaring Africans might have reached the Americas, influencing the cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples.

Van Sertima also highlights the impressive navigational skills of West African mariners, particularly the Mandingos. He argues that they possessed the knowledge and equipment to cross the Atlantic, evidenced by their detailed maps, compasses, and advanced shipbuilding techniques. He proposes that these seafarers could have established colonies along the American coastline, leaving behind cultural imprints.

Uncovering African Influences on Native American Cultures

Continuing his exploration, Van Sertima draws parallels between African and Native American societies. He points out shared cultural practices, such as pyramid construction, circumcision rituals, and the use of certain plants and agricultural techniques, as potential evidence of African influence on Native American cultures.

Moreover, Van Sertima highlights linguistic connections between African and Native American languages. He suggests that the presence of African loanwords in indigenous languages, along with shared grammatical structures, might indicate early interactions between these two groups, further supporting the notion of pre-Columbian African presence in the Americas.

Challenging Traditional Perspectives

Throughout They Came Before Columbus, Van Sertima challenges traditional historical perspectives and encourages readers to reconsider the role of Africans in shaping world history. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge and respect the contributions of all cultures, including those often marginalized or overlooked in mainstream narratives.

In conclusion, They Came Before Columbus presents a compelling argument for the African presence in pre-Columbian America, backed by a wealth of historical and anthropological evidence. Van Sertima's book invites readers to critically examine established historical narratives and consider alternative perspectives, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of early transatlantic interactions.