The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa

The first comprehensive study of the impact of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa from Muhammed onwards.

This is the first general study of the impact of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa from the immediate pre-Islamic period to the present day. Timothy Insoll charts the historical background and the archaeological evidence attesting to the spread of Islam, and analyses its methods of conversion.This is the first general study of the impact of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa. Timothy Insoll charts the historical background as well as the archaeological evidence attesting to the spread of Islam across the Sudan, Ethiopia, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Nigeria, surveying a time-span from the immediate pre-Islamic period through to the present. He also analyses in detail the syncretism which has occurred between Islam and African traditional religions, and looks at the processes - jihad, trade, missionary activity, prestige - by which Islam spread. This book will be of great relevance to scholars and students, as well as to all those interested in Africa, archaeology, religion and Islam.