In the post-colonial era, historians have begun to understand the middle belt of Nigeria as the cradle of several Nigerian groups. Studying the area has become central to the search for a proper identity of the diverse peoples of central Nigeria, and for an understanding of African history generally. This pioneering effort puts together, in one volume, research by some thirty academics on a region taking in the states of Kwara, Kogi, Plateau Nassarawa, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory.