Early America Revisited

Early America Revisited examines evidence for pre-Columbian contact between Africa and the Americas. Van Sertima presents archaeological findings, oral histories, and cultural parallels to support his thesis of ancient African presence in the New World. The book analyzes maritime capabilities of early African civilizations and documents botanical transfers between continents. Specific attention is paid to the Olmec civilization of Mexico and its potential connections to African cultures through trade and exploration. The text incorporates interdisciplinary research spanning anthropology, linguistics, and nautical studies. Van Sertima builds his argument through analysis of artifacts, religious symbols, and agricultural practices found in both regions. The work challenges conventional narratives about isolation between Old and New World civilizations prior to 1492. Through its examination of cross-cultural contact, the book raises questions about how history is documented and whose perspectives shape accepted historical accounts.

Readers note Van Sertima's extensive research and documentation of pre-Columbian African presence in the Americas. Several reviewers highlight the archaeological and anthropological evidence presented, though some question the interpretation of this evidence. What readers liked: - Detailed examination of ancient artifacts and cultural parallels - Citations and references to academic sources - Discussion of maritime technology and trade routes - Analysis of linguistic connections between African and Native American cultures What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style makes it less accessible - Some assertions feel stretched or speculative - Limited coverage of certain regions and time periods - Repetition of points from author's previous works Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Review excerpt: "While the evidence presented is compelling, more peer review and archaeological confirmation would strengthen the arguments" - Goodreads reviewer Several academic reviewers question methodology but acknowledge the book's contribution to historical discourse about pre-Columbian contact.

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima Documents evidence of African presence in pre-Columbian Americas through archaeological findings, cultural parallels, and historical records.

1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann Presents research on advanced civilizations and complex societies that existed in pre-Columbian Americas through archaeological and anthropological studies.

America B.C.: Ancient Settlers in the New World by Barry Fell Examines inscriptions and artifacts suggesting European, African, and Asian visitors reached North America long before Columbus.

Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage by William Loren Katz Traces the historical intersection of African and Native American peoples through documentation of their shared communities and resistance movements.

The Lost Cities of Africa by Basil Davidson Chronicles the archaeological discoveries of ancient African civilizations and their technological achievements through historical evidence and field research.

🔸 Van Sertima presented evidence of pre-Columbian African presence in the Americas to the U.S. Congress in 1987, challenging traditional historical narratives and sparking significant academic debate. 🔸 The book examines ancient Olmec stone heads in Mexico, suggesting their distinctive African features indicate early contact between African and American civilizations thousands of years before Columbus. 🔸 Through linguistic analysis, the author traces similarities between certain African and Native American words, particularly in trading terms, suggesting cultural exchange occurred across the Atlantic. 🔸 The research draws on multiple disciplines including archaeology, anthropology, and oceanography to demonstrate how African mariners could have used Atlantic Ocean currents to reach the Americas. 🔸 Van Sertima's work built upon earlier research by Leo Wiener of Harvard University, who in the 1920s documented African influences on pre-Columbian Americas through the study of agricultural products and terminology.