Interested in reading Odeds book. I think the point of geography is of vital importance. Thomas Sowell's books on cultures and migrations are a great overview in this area. Sub-Saharan Africa was isolated from other burgeoning nations and sparsely interacted with. A quick look at say, Herodotus and his writing about what he called "Libya" and the prevailing understanding of how much actual continent that was there unexplored is typical for that time frame (BC). Having no control of the Mediterranean waterway and the trade, culture, etc.. that that brings was a big disadvantage. This same case is shown in Amazonian tribes and aborigines who were quite isolated as well.
Interested in reading Odeds book. I think the point of geography is of vital importance. Thomas Sowell's books on cultures and migrations are a great overview in this area. Sub-Saharan Africa was isolated from other burgeoning nations and sparsely interacted with. A quick look at say, Herodotus and his writing about what he called "Libya" and the prevailing understanding of how much actual continent that was there unexplored is typical for that time frame (BC). Having no control of the Mediterranean waterway and the trade, culture, etc.. that that brings was a big disadvantage. This same case is shown in Amazonian tribes and aborigines who were quite isolated as well.