Did you know that one of the greatest philosophers in history may have studied in Africa?
Aristotle, known for his contributions to philosophy, science, and politics, spent years advancing his education in Egypt. And during the invasion of Alexander the Great, Aristotle got the opportunity he had been praying for – to ransack leading Egyptian libraries and carry off all the books he wanted.
But what did he learn during his time in Africa? And why is this information not widely known?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of Aristotle’s African education and shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of African scholars to Western civilization.
Did Aristotle Study In Africa
While there is no concrete evidence that Aristotle studied in Africa, there are indications that he may have. During his time in Egypt, Aristotle would have had access to some of the greatest libraries in the world, which contained works on science, mathematics, philosophy, and more.
It’s also worth noting that many other intellectuals and cultural icons from Europe and other places traveled to Africa to study in the past. They sat at the feet of African masters and learned about the rudiments of various subjects. However, this information is often not included in orthodox history books.
The ancient Greeks knew much more about the cultural and racial identity of Ancient Egyptians than modern European historians. The primary aim of these modern Eurocentric scholars is to completely expunge black Africans from the “map of human geography” and world history. However, it’s important to recognize the contributions of African scholars to Western civilization.
Aristotle’s Education In Egypt
Aristotle was one of the greatest Greek philosophers of all time, and it’s possible that he studied in Egypt during his lifetime. If he did, he would have been introduced to the Kemetic Mystery System, which formed the basis of the Kemites’ understanding of the world. This knowledge had been developed over the previous 4,500 years and encompassed both the esoteric and practical.
During his time in Egypt, Aristotle would have had access to some of the greatest libraries in the world. These libraries contained works on science, mathematics, philosophy, and more. It’s likely that he would have studied alongside other Greek scholars who also traveled to Egypt to expand their knowledge.
While there is no concrete evidence that Aristotle studied in Africa, it’s important to recognize the contributions of African scholars to Western civilization. Many intellectuals and cultural icons from Europe and other places traveled to Africa in the past to learn from African masters and gain a deeper understanding of various subjects. However, this information is often not included in orthodox history books.
The ancient Greeks knew much more about the cultural and racial identity of Ancient Egyptians than modern European historians. The primary aim of modern Eurocentric scholars is to completely expunge black Africans from the “map of human geography” and world history. By acknowledging the contributions of African scholars, we can gain a more complete understanding of the history of Western civilization.
Ransacking The Libraries Of Alexandria
One of the most significant libraries in the ancient world was the Great Library of Alexandria, which was located in Alexandria, Egypt. The Library was established by Ptolemy II Philadelphus and was part of a larger research institution called the Mouseion. The Library quickly became renowned for its collection of papyrus scrolls, which ranged from 40,000 to 400,000 at its height.
The Library was regarded as the capital of knowledge and learning, and many important scholars worked there during the third and second centuries BC. These scholars included Zenodotus of Ephesus, Callimachus, Apollonius of Rhodes, Eratosthenes of Cyrene, Aristophanes of Byzantium, and Aristarchus of Samothrace. They produced extensive commentaries on various texts and worked towards standardizing the texts of the Homeric poems.
Despite the widespread modern belief that the Library of Alexandria was burned once and cataclysmically destroyed, the Library actually declined gradually over several centuries. The decline began with the purging of intellectuals from Alexandria in 145 BC during the reign of Ptolemy VIII Physcon. Many other scholars fled to other cities, where they continued teaching and conducting scholarship.
The Library suffered further damage when it was accidentally burned by Julius Caesar during his civil war in 48 BC. However, it is unclear how much was actually destroyed, and it seems to have either survived or been rebuilt shortly thereafter. The Library dwindled during the Roman period due to a lack of funding and support. Its membership appears to have ceased by the 260s AD.
The daughter library in the Serapeum may have survived after the main Library’s destruction. However, it was vandalized and demolished in 391 AD under a decree issued by Coptic Christian Pope Theophilus of Alexandria. It does not seem to have housed books at that time and was mainly used as a gathering place for Neoplatonist philosophers following the teachings of Iamblichus.
One of the major acquisitions for the Library was the “books of Aristotle.” According to Athenaeus, Philadelphus purchased that collection for a large sum of money. However, Strabo reported that Aristotle’s books passed on in succession through different hands, until they were later confiscated in 86 BCE by Sulla, who carried them away to Rome. The two accounts perhaps deal with two different things. Athenaeus may be referring to the collection of books that Aristotle had amassed at his school in Athens, which Philadelphus was able to purchase when his former tutor, Straton, was head of the Lyceum. Strabo’s account may be dealing with the personal writings that Aristotle had bequeathed to his successors as heads of the Lyceum, until they were confiscated by Sulla.
African Contributions To Western Civilization
Throughout history, African scholars have made significant contributions to Western civilization. For instance, the ancient Egyptians were pioneers in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and architecture. The Greeks borrowed heavily from Egyptian knowledge and incorporated it into their own philosophy and science.
In addition to the Egyptians, other African civilizations such as the Carthaginians, Moors, and Ethiopians also contributed to Western civilization. The Carthaginians were renowned for their naval technology and commerce, while the Moors were instrumental in preserving and advancing Greek knowledge during the Middle Ages. The Ethiopians also made significant contributions to Christianity and literature.
Moreover, during the Renaissance era, African scholars played a key role in the development of humanism and naturalism. They challenged the prevailing Eurocentric view of the world by introducing new perspectives on race, culture, and identity.
In more recent times, African scholars have continued to make significant contributions to Western civilization through their work in various fields such as literature, music, art, and science. Their contributions have enriched Western culture and expanded our understanding of the world.
It’s important to acknowledge these contributions and recognize the diversity of intellectual traditions that have shaped Western civilization. By doing so, we can move beyond narrow stereotypes and embrace a more inclusive view of history and culture.
The Legacy Of Aristotle’s African Education
Aristotle’s education in Africa, if it did occur, would have had a significant impact on his philosophical and scientific views. The libraries in Egypt contained works on a variety of subjects, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Aristotle likely would have been exposed to these works and incorporated them into his own studies.
Furthermore, the influence of African philosophy on Aristotle cannot be discounted. The frustration with colonialism and racialism that led to the emergence of systematic African philosophy was borne out of a reaction to the caricature of Africa as culturally naïve and intellectually docile. This reaction eventually led to the type of philosophizing that can be described as systematic, beginning with the identity of the African people, their place in history, and their contributions to civilization.
Aristotle’s views on logic and ethics have had a profound influence on Western thought. If he did study in Africa, it’s possible that his exposure to African philosophy influenced his own ideas. His legacy has continued to shape scholarship in the West and beyond, and it’s important to recognize the potential impact of his education in Africa on his contributions to philosophy and science.
