Why does our history stop at the 17th century?
Why does our history stop at the 17th century?
Yesterday, I went out to eat with some people I know. And we had a very passionate discussion about our country. We were trying to understand why Benin’s history is so difficult to trace back to before the 17th century.
Indeed, it is a bit difficult if not impossible to find writings relating the history of Benin before that century. Several reasons would explain this. Among others because the history of Benin as we have been taught is the one that could be written.
Before, history and tradition were transmitted in oral form. Much of it may have been lost over the centuries.
This discussion also reminded me that I need to learn more about the history of my country, and that of Africa.
So I will probably continue reading the other volumes of the « General History of Africa » by UNESCO.s
