Synopsis and structure
Andrew Roberts’ A History of Zambia is recognized by scholars as a clear, well-structured, and balanced account of Zambia’s history. Reviewers note the book for its strong emphasis on the precolonial and early colonial periods.Roberts begins with an overview of Zambia’s physical geography and early human history, including the Stone Age and Iron Age. He explains how different cultural traditions developed across regions and how societies organized politically, economically, and socially. The book traces the rise of chieftainship and the growth of trade networks before colonial rule, with attention to key regions such as the Lozi kingdom and Kazembe’s domain. It then examines the effects of African migrations, such as the arrival of the Ngoni and Kololo, and the expansion of long-distance trade. [1] [2]
Roberts details the gradual British occupation in the late 19th century and continues through the colonial period, highlighting the growth of mining, labor migration, and the emergence of nationalist movements. He ends with Zambia’s transition to independence in 1964 and its first decade as a sovereign nation. Reviewers note the book’s use of archaeology and oral tradition, as well as its readable style and features like maps and a structured bibliography. While some suggest the later chapters are more concise, they agree the book offers a valuable and accessible introduction to Zambia’s past, suitable for both scholars and general readers. [3] [4]
Chapters:
- Preface
- Note on Pronunciation
- I. The Natural Setting: This chapter introduces Zambia’s physical geography, including its geology, climate, vegetation, and patterns of human settlement.
- II. The Stone Age: Covers the archaeological periods of the Early, Middle, and Late Stone Age, outlining the development of early human activity in the region.
- III. The Iron Age in the North: Examines Iron Age developments in northern Zambia, including regional variations, the significance of rock art, early copper-working in central areas, and cultural traditions such as the Luangwa and Western Zambia traditions.
- IV. The Iron Age in the South: Focuses on southern Zambia’s Iron Age cultures, including the Shongwe, Kalundu, Kalomo, and ‘Tonga Diaspora’ traditions, along with the archaeological site of Ingombe Ilede.
- V. The Peoples of Zambia, c.1500–c.1700: Analyzes ethnic traditions and social organization during this period, covering economic systems, languages, religion, and political structures.
- VI. The Growth of Chieftainship, c.1700–c.1840: Explores the emergence and regional variations of chieftainship, including developments in the east, south, and north-west, and the rise of notable polities like Kazembe and the Lozi kingdom.
- VII. The Expansion of Trade, c.1700–c.1840: Describes the growth of local and long-distance trade networks, focusing on copper and gold trade, Portuguese involvement at Zumbo, and interactions involving Kazembe and western regions including Angola.
- VIII. African Intruders, c.1840–c.1890: Discusses incursions by African groups such as the Ngoni, Chikunda, and Kololo, the reconstitution of the Lozi kingdom, and how external trade and southern ethnic groups like the Tonga and Ila were affected.
- IX. The British Take Over, c.1860–1900: Covers the period of European intervention, including missionary efforts by Livingstone, Rhodes’ imperial ambitions, the establishment of British colonial rule, and concludes with a summary of this transition.
- X. Mines and Migration, 1900–c.1950: Traces the history of mining and labor migration, from company rule and early colonial administration to the development of the Copperbelt and the emergence of an unbalanced economy.
- XI. The Growth of a Nation, c.1930–1964: Explores nationalist stirrings, African religious movements, labor politics in the Copperbelt, the colonial response, the rise of nationalist parties, and events leading to Zambia’s independence.
- XII. Ten Years of Independence, 1964–1974: Analyzes the first decade of post-independence Zambia, including political realignment, state economic policy, regional liberation movements, and the promotion of national unity and freedom.
- Appendixes: Includes two supporting sections: one on the copper industry in pre-colonial Central Africa and another listing colonial administrators and governors.
- Bibliography
- Index
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