Africa is known as the cradle of humanity, our origins long believed to stretch back some 200,000 years to Africa's Great Rift Valley (although recently a human skull found in Morocco has been dated back to 300,000 years). For centuries, Western cultures clung to the myth of "darkest Africa," which was supposedly only redeemed after being “discovered” by European explorers. In this epic six-hour series, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. attempts to unveil the true history of Africa, a continent plagued by struggle and tragedy, but also marked by major religious, artistic, and economic advances. Driven by early climate change, many began moving out of Africa about 80,000 years ago. From cave art, breeding livestock, and the creation of writing tools, Africa created a "blueprint for civilization," embracing Islam and Christianity long before missionaries brought the faiths to the continent. Gates looks at a belief that the Ark of the Covenant found refuge in Ethiopia, the only African country that was not colonized. Rich natural resources and trade kept African culture vibrant even during Europe's Dark Ages, and cities like Fez and Timbuktu boasted libraries and learning centers (Timbuktu's libraries recently came under assault from extremists). The tireless Gates visits monuments left by the ancient civilizations of Nubia and Kush, as well as monasteries and mosques featuring ornate adornments and frescoes. Africa exported gold, ivory, diamonds, and later slaves, and by the 19th century, Europe began a "race to riches" under the guise of religious concern that resulted in colonization, exploitation, and brutality. Somehow, African spirituality survived. Although the references to place names and people may prove daunting to newcomers to the subject (which includes most of us), the art, architecture, and landscapes on display here are stunning, and the historical concepts are clearly explained. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
Africa's Great Civilizations
(2017) 2 discs. 360 min. DVD: $34.99 ($64.99 w/PPR), Blu-ray: $39.99 ($64.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0006-5 (dvd), 978-1-5317-0007-2 (blu-ray). Volume 32, Issue 5
Africa's Great Civilizations
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