The formidable diversity of African societies is nothing other than historical. The variety of languages spoken across the continent, the proximity of multiple systems of political organization, types of economy, religious forms, techniques and arts tell us that this diversity is the fruit of a plurality of historical trajectories which, over the millennia, have brought together centralized kingdoms and pastoral peoples, urban societies and peasant, transhumant or caravan communities. African worlds are worth thinking about for their singularity - but also for everything they thwart: the denial of historicity, evolutionary models of history - and for everything they invite: collaborative research, cautious knowledge, the optimism of discoveries yet to be made.

François-Xavier Fauvelle's lectures are devoted to certain societies and political formations of ancient Africa, such as Christian and Muslim Ethiopia, the Ghâna and the Mâli, and the Swahili city-states. The documentation used consists of writings produced within these societies or in the Arab world, the most recent archaeological data and oral traditions.

The seminar, led by François-Xavier Fauvelle, takes the form of scientific meetings, during which specialists from all over the world review the state of knowledge in a particular field.

In addition to his lectures, François-Xavier Fauvelle's research is also part of collective, international and multi-disciplinary programs on topics such as Christian and Muslim Ethiopia, and trans-Saharan relations between Morocco, Ghana and Mâli.

Doctoral students working with Prof. Fauvelle are attached to the TRACES Laboratory at the University of Toulouse-II-Jean-Jaurès.