The forgotten legacies of Africa in science

Abstract

It will interest you to know Africa has the oldest scientific achievements in the world. This culture of achievements emerged at least 40,000 years ago in Africa. Unfortunately, most people including Africans are unaware of these accomplishments, as the history of Africa, beyond ancient Egypt, is seldom publicized. Maybe the horrific stories from slavery helps to put a lid on this rich and important history. As sad as it may be, most discussions on modern philosophy dwell on the Greek philosophers with no reference to Africans. It is worth saying that most of the scientific break-through happening now are on the back of discoveries of thousands of years from Africa. While the remarkable black civilization in Egypt remains alluring, there were sophistications and impressive inventions throughout ancient sub-Saharan Africa as well. In this paper, we attempt to send an electrical impulse to this longdeadened nerve. I can only fly by this vast plane of achievements. Despite this, it still should be evident that the ancient people of Africa, like so many other ancients of the world, definitely had their genius. As late as 8,000 years ago, people in present-day Zaire developed their own numeration system, as did Yoruba people in what is now Nigeria. Ancient Tanzanian furnaces could reach 1,800°C - 200 to 400°C warmer than those of the Romans. Between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago, advances in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda surpassed those of Europeans standards. During the Timbuktu era, the Julian calendar was established with the year divided into 12 parts and a developed yearlong calendar system containing 365 ¼ days. Clocks were made with moving water. The famous sundial-like clocks were used. The peak in Astronomy with heliocentric views of the solar system. The Scientist developed algorithm that accurately oriented Timbuktu to Mecca. The scientist recorded some astronomical events including a meteor shower in August 1583. They went as far as making diagrams of planets and orbits which made use of complex mathematical calculations. In conclusion, the article throws light on the contribution of Africa to science early-on as far back as 40,000 years ago. Then finally, expounding on the contribution of Africans in present day inventions to solving everyday problems.