Post #530

The World Was Stunned: How Gold Let Ancient Africans Build a Nation from Scratch [ History ] 🌍 Today, all nations are built in the European image: laws, parliaments, courts, armies, and police — mainly in the French or English style (some have the Portuguese version, but we pity them). It might seem that the very concept of a state is inherently European. And, in today’s Africa, that’s largely true. ⏱ But a thousand years ago, near Limpopo, there existed a unique and original state whose complete isolation from Europe and Asia suggests a true birth of a nation from scratch—without outside influence or financial support from parents. The kingdom was called Mapungubwe. It emerged in the 11th century from a local tribe that, within just a few decades, subjugated its neighbors, established a complex hierarchy, and built a stone capital for thousands of people. At the heart of its rise was gold—just as usually, it was exported. Selling gold through eastern neighbors to Asia created inequality and gave rise to a king and an elite. The same gold wealth allowed rulers to use a "divide and conquer"strategy to control neighboring tribes. ⛔️ As legendary ancient states usually do, Mapungubwe mysteriously vanished after about 200 years. All that remains is a hill where the capital once stood—and this golden rhino, discovered by scientists in 1932. #History ➡️ Stay informed - @devilsbelow