Nigerian Civilisation and Iron Technology

Study Notes

Emergence of Civilisation in Nigeria

Civilisation began to emerge in Nigeria approximately three thousand years ago.
Archaeological findings in the Nok area include terracotta sculptures dated between 925 B.C. and 200 A.D.
The Nok findings indicate the diffusion of iron technology, marking the earliest known use of iron in sub-Saharan Africa.

Linguistic Evidence and Ancient Settlements

Linguistic data suggest that most linguistic groups in Nigeria have been in their current locations for about four thousand years.
Oral traditions from various Nigerian societies indicate even older histories, with some tracing back to the beginning of creation.
The Yoruba creation myth exemplifies these ancient narratives.

Archaeological Discoveries

The oldest artefact found in Nigeria is carbonised wood dated to before 37,000 B.C. from the Nok site.
Other significant Stone Age sites in Nigeria include:
- Igbo Ukwu: 11,550 B.C.
- Iwo Eleru: 9,250 B.C.
- Zenbi Falls: 3,485 B.C.
- Ukpa: 2,935 B.C.
- Rop: 2,555 B.C.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

Nigeria is home to over four hundred and fifty different ethnic groups.
More than 200 tribes were recorded in the northern provinces alone.
A brief study focuses on major tribes and kingdoms from both northern and southern Nigeria.

Northern Nigeria: Kanem Borno Empire

Kanem Borno Empire is one of the earliest records of state building in Nigeria, established around the ninth century A.D., with confirmation of the eleventh century A.D.
At its peak, the empire expanded into present-day Chad, Niger Republic, and Cameroon.
The empire maintained a formidable military force, including 100,000 cavalry and 120,000 infantry.
The history of Kanem Borno is divided into two primary phases.

Cultural Centres and Art

Key art centres in Nigeria include Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Owo, Esie, and Akwanshi.
Study focuses on cultural characteristics, political organization, and artistic expressions of significant tribes such as the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Edo (Benin Empire).

Description

Discover the early civilisations of Nigeria with a focus on archaeological findings in the Nok region. This quiz explores ancient artefacts, including terracotta sculptures and the introduction of iron technology, shedding light on Nigeria's rich historical roots. Test your knowledge about these significant developments in Nigerian history.