Archaeology and the Study of Early Urban Centres in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper describes the various relief, drainage and land use systems and vegetation types present in Nigeria to highlight possible contributions of ecological factors in the evolution of urbanism in Nigeria. The paper also reviews the few historical and archaeological data available on early urbanisation in this region; thirdly, it discusses the problems of urban archaeological research in the sub-region and the role of such factors as ecology, centralized or quasi-centralized authority and interregional trade in the development of urbanism in Nigeria.