Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria

Iron, Fire and Knowledge: Nigeria’s Metallurgical Heritage

Explore nigerian iron smelting traditions. Key context, events, and legacy

Olumo Rock: The Granite Fortress of Egba History and Yoruba Heritage

Explore olumo rock in yoruba history and tourism. Key context, events, and legacy

Carved Time: Nigeria’s Rock Art Heritage and What We Know

Explore ancient rock art sites in nigeria. Key context, events, and legacy

Zuma Rock: Nigeria’s Iconic Monolith of Culture and Nature

Explore the history of zuma rock and cultural legends. Key context, events, and legacy

Nupe Kingdom: Warriors, Craftsmen, and the Rise of Bida Emirate

The Nupe Kingdom, in central Nigeria, has long played a pivotal role in the history of the region. Located chiefly in present-day Niger State,...

Ibibio Voices: History, Secret Societies and the Power of Tradition

The Ibibio people of southeastern Nigeria have preserved intricate systems of lineage, spirituality and governance that define their collective identity. Speaking dialects within the...

Hausa City-States: Commerce, Islam and the Making of Northern Nigeria

The Hausa city-states, notably Kano, Katsina, Zaria (Zazzau), Gobir, Daura, Rano and Biram, formed a network of independent urban polities in what is today...

Old Calabar: Efik Merchant Houses, Ekpe Authority, and the Shift from Slaves to Palm Oil

Old Calabar, encompassing Duke Town, Creek Town, and Henshaw Town along the Cross River, was one of the principal trading centres of the Bight...

Akwa Akpa Restored: Trade, Ekpe and the Political Economy of Old Calabar

Akwa Akpa, recorded in European sources as Old Calabar or Duke Town, developed as a riverine entrepôt on the lower Cross/Calabar system. Over the...