Ivan Van Sertima

Ivan Van Sertima (1935-2009) was a Guyanese-American historian, linguist, and anthropologist known for his research on African presence in pre-Columbian Americas. His most influential work, "They Came Before Columbus" (1976), presented controversial theories about African contributions to early American civilizations. As a professor at Rutgers University, Van Sertima founded the Journal of African Civilizations and served as its editor for decades. His academic work focused on early African and African-American history, though his methodologies and conclusions were often disputed by mainstream historians and archaeologists. Van Sertima testified before the U.S. Congress in 1987 regarding his research on African influences in ancient America. His other notable works include "Early America Revisited" and "African Presence in Early Europe," which explored historical connections between African and other civilizations. The recipient of the Clarence L. Holte Literary Prize, Van Sertima published extensively on African history, linguistics, and anthropology. While his theories about pre-Columbian contact between Africa and the Americas remain contentious in academic circles, his work contributed to broader discussions about African contributions to world history.

Readers value Van Sertima's detailed research and alternative perspectives on African history, particularly in "They Came Before Columbus." Many reviews highlight his presentation of archaeological evidence and cultural parallels between African and American civilizations. What readers liked: - Documentation of African maritime capabilities - Analysis of Olmec artifacts and cultural practices - Clear writing style making complex topics accessible - Extensive bibliography and source citations What readers disliked: - Some conclusions seen as speculative - Selective use of evidence to support theories - Limited addressing of contrary archaeological findings - Academic language challenging for general readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) One reader noted: "Van Sertima provides compelling physical evidence that forces us to reconsider accepted historical narratives." Another criticized: "The linguistic connections feel stretched, and some archaeological interpretations ignore simpler explanations." His work remains popular among readers interested in African history, though academic historians frequently question his methods and conclusions.

They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America (1976) Documents evidence of African contacts and influences in pre-Columbian America, focusing on trade, navigation, and cultural exchanges.

Early America Revisited (1998) Examines archaeological and historical evidence of African and other non-European presences in pre-Columbian Americas.

African Presence in Early Europe (1985) Chronicles the historical presence and contributions of Africans in European civilization from ancient to medieval times.

African Presence in Early Asia (1988) Details historical evidence of African populations and influences across various Asian regions and civilizations.

Egypt: Child of Africa (1994) Analyzes the African origins and cultural foundations of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Great African Thinkers: Cheikh Anta Diop (1986) Presents the life, work, and theories of Senegalese historian and anthropologist Cheikh Anta Diop.

Golden Age of the Moor (1991) Explores the history, culture, and achievements of Moorish civilization in medieval Europe and North Africa.

Black Women in Antiquity (1984) Examines the roles and contributions of African women in ancient civilizations across multiple continents.

Cheikh Anta Diop examines African civilizations and their influences on world history through archaeological and anthropological evidence. His work "The African Origin of Civilization" presents research on ancient Egypt's connections to Sub-Saharan Africa.

John Henrik Clarke focuses on African and African American history with emphasis on correcting historical narratives about African civilizations. His writings cover the impact of Africa on world development and the role of Africans in early Americas.

Chancellor Williams analyzes the history of African civilizations and their destruction through foreign intervention in "The Destruction of Black Civilization." His research traces African history from prehistoric times through the colonial period.

Runoko Rashidi studies the global presence of African people throughout history, including in Asia and the Pacific. His work documents African influences in ancient civilizations and the African presence in early Asian societies.

J.A. Rogers investigates the history of African peoples worldwide and documents overlooked African contributions to world civilization. His books "Nature Knows No Color Line" and "Sex and Race" examine historical evidence of African presence in various cultures.