Ivan Van Sertima's They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America, first published in 1976, remains a provocative and hotly debated work in the study of pre-Columbian history. Van Sertima’s central thesis is that Africans, particularly from Mali and West Africa, established contact and even settlements in the Americas centuries before Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492. He marshals evidence from linguistics, archaeology, anthropology, and historical accounts to support his argument, challenging the Eurocentric narrative of American discovery. While widely influential and popular, particularly within Black nationalist and Afrocentric intellectual circles, the book has faced significant criticism from mainstream historians and archaeologists for its selective use of evidence and questionable interpretations. Nevertheless, They Came Before Columbus compels readers to reconsider established historical timelines and the potential for transoceanic contact in the ancient world.
Van Sertima’s argument is built upon several key pillars. One of the most compelling is his analysis of astronomical and calendar systems, particularly the Olmec civilization. He points to striking similarities between the 260-day calendar used by the Maya and the calendar systems associated with ancient Sudan. Furthermore, he highlights the discovery of Negro skeletons in Mexico and Peru, suggesting a physical African presence. His most famous piece of evidence involves the alleged voyage of Abu Bakr II, a Malian emperor who, according to some interpretations of Arabic texts, launched an expedition into the Atlantic in the early 14th century, potentially reaching the Americas. Van Sertima presents these findings not as isolated incidents but as indicators of sustained interaction and cultural diffusion. He argues that the presence of Africanisms in Mesoamerican art, such as depictions of dark-skinned peoples and certain artistic motifs, further substantiates his claims.
The reception of They Came Before Columbus has been polarized. Supporters laud Van Sertima for bringing attention to the often-overlooked contributions and presence of Africans in world history, arguing that mainstream academia has deliberately suppressed or ignored such evidence to maintain a Eurocentric historical framework. They see his work as an important corrective to colonial narratives. Conversely, many scholars have critiqued Van Sertima’s methodology. For instance, the linguistic parallels he draws are often dismissed as coincidental or based on superficial similarities. The archaeological evidence, such as the "Negro skeletons," has been re-examined and often attributed to indigenous populations or later interments. The account of Abu Bakr II’s voyage is considered by most historians to be speculative, lacking definitive proof of reaching the Americas. Critics argue that Van Sertima often stretches interpretations to fit his thesis, overlooking alternative explanations and the lack of corroborating evidence for widespread African settlement or influence.
Despite the scholarly critiques, the book's impact is undeniable. It has served as a foundational text for many advocating for a more inclusive and multifaceted understanding of history. It sparked crucial conversations about bias in historical research and the importance of recovering marginalized narratives. For many readers, They Came Before Columbus offers a powerful counterpoint to traditional historical accounts, fostering pride and a sense of historical continuity. While its specific historical claims may be contested, the questions it raises about the nature of evidence, the limitations of established narratives, and the vast unknowns of ancient seafaring remain relevant. Van Sertima's work, for all its controversy, undeniably reshaped discussions about pre-Columbian America and the global reach of ancient civilizations.