Were the Original Settlers of Northern Africa Black Africans?

Historians worldwide have explored if the first people in Northern Africa were Black Africans. They used scientific evidence. This challenges the common idea that they were Arabian. This raises questions about the region’s history. It also questions the identities of the ancient people who lived there.

Evidence and Historical Context

Why don’t modern Egyptians have the same culture as their Pharaoh ancestors? Why don’t they make similar items, like the people of Kemet, Berbers, and Nubians did? Pyramids are not just in Egypt. Hundreds of pyramids are also in Sudan. Sudan is close to Egypt and split by the Nile River. Sudan is mainly a black country, but it is now two nations. The article “Ancient DNA and the Peopling of Africa” (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaw4506) discusses how old DNA is changing how we see African population history.

Aksum (Abyssinia), now Ethiopia, was once an ally of Kemet (now Egypt). They traded and worked together along the Nile River. Other black countries like Burundi, Tanzania, Congo, Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya, have stories of their links with the Berbers, Kemet, and Nubians. These connections suggest they share history and culture.

The Story of Simon of Cyrene and North African Identity

The Bible tells of Simon of Cyrene, a black man who helped Jesus carry the cross. This is more evidence. Cyrene was Libya’s old name. The Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) invaded and started Islam in the area. Later, Italy invaded and joined Cyrene with smaller areas, renaming it Libya [Source needed].

This may explain why Libya, under Muammar Gaddafi, was closer to Africa and wanted it to grow together, unlike other North African Arab countries [Source needed]. Gaddafi may have known his background. This may be why other Arab African countries didn’t support him [Source needed].

The Erasure of Black African History in North Africa

Black African history in North Africa has been erased. This is because of colonialism, Arabization, and rewriting history for political and money reasons. It is important to understand this history to change the current stories and get back the true history of the area. It is vital to see that Black Africans helped and lived in North Africa. This creates a more complete and correct view of the region’s past and present. The paper “Human genetic diversity: Lewontin’s fallacy” (https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.160928) addresses misconceptions about human genetic variation.

Cultural and Archaeological Connections

We can compare this history to learn more about who first lived in North African countries. This goes beyond guesses or theories. The cultural links between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa give more ideas about their shared past. Music, dance, art, and religion often look alike. This suggests they have long interacted and shared culture.

These links show how connected Africa is. They highlight how important it is to know North Africa’s diverse culture. Old items and DNA also show that black people lived in North Africa before the Arab conquests. “The genetic history of মানুষ: Tracing the origins of modern humans” (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41576-023-00646-z) gives an overview of the genetic history of modern humans.

Old burial spots, rock art, and bones give real proof of these early people. DNA studies support this. They show African DNA in North African people, especially near the Sahara. This goes against the usual story that often forgets or makes smaller the role of Black Africans in the region’s history.

Conclusion

In short, history, culture, and old items suggest that Black Africans were in North Africa long before the Arab conquests. Erasing this history is complex because of colonialism and politics. It is important to know and get back this history for a more correct and complete view of North Africa’s past and present.