The Mystery of the Ancient Warriors

Kane Khanh | Archeaology
January 4, 2024

In 1903, E. F. Martin, a local correspondent of the Anthropological Institute, found himself fascinated by the native objects from Northern Nigeria. His interest was piqued when he stumbled upon a chain mail worn by the Hausas of the Northern States during wartime for defensive purposes. Little did he know that this discovery would lead him on a journey into the unknown.

The helmet, sword and coat of mail Viking. Stock Photo | Adobe Stock

With great excitement, Martin acquired a well-preserved specimen from a Hausa trader. As he closely examined the intricate details of the chain mail, he couldn’t help but wonder about its origins. How did such advanced armor come into existence among the Hausas?

Coat of Mail and Armour, 18th - 19th Century. Armour features a Helmet  (Topi), Armlets (Baju Band), Chainmail coat (Bakhtar), Chainmail pajama,  Shield (Dhal), Sword (Khanda), and a Backscratcher (Pushtkar). The helmet

Curiosity consumed Martin’s thoughts, driving him to explore further. He discovered that not only were these coats of mail present, but helmets and swords were also unearthed by locals. These artifacts were found in good condition, albeit often incomplete. This suggested that the original owners were buried where these relics were now discovered, challenging the prevailing notion that they had arrived through occasional caravans from the north.

Nigerian CodeX on Instagram: "1900s - Hausa man wearing a christian  crusader armor taken from a tuareg warrior(might also be ottoman armour,  based on the top helmet part). He also wears a

The enigma of these advanced artifacts led Martin to ponder the existence of an unknown past civilization in Northern Nigeria. Who were these ancient warriors that possessed such advanced weaponry? What was their story? Were they a forgotten empire or a lost tribe?

Driven by his insatiable curiosity, Martin embarked on a journey to uncover the truth. He delved into ancient texts and studied historical records, piecing together fragments of information like a puzzle. The more he discovered, the more he realized that there was a missing chapter in the history books.

As Martin continued his research, he encountered various theories and legends surrounding the mysterious civilization. Some spoke of a highly advanced society that thrived in the region long ago, while others whispered tales of mythical warriors with supernatural abilities.

Undeterred by skepticism and fueled by his passion, Martin set out to visit the sites where these artifacts were discovered. He walked in the footsteps of the ancient warriors, feeling a connection to a time long gone. The remnants of their existence surrounded him, whispering secrets of a forgotten era.

Through his tireless efforts, Martin pieced together a narrative that challenged the established beliefs. It seemed that the Hausas of the Northern States were indeed the descendants of a once-great civilization that had left behind a legacy of advanced weaponry and artifacts.

Martin’s findings opened up a new realm of possibilities, shattering the preconceived notions of the past. His story became a testament to the power of curiosity and the unending quest for knowledge. As he shared his insights with the Anthropological Institute, the world marveled at the mysteries of Northern Nigeria, eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden beneath the sands of time.