by RolandOliver (Author)
Revised to include the events of the 1990s, this volume covers the entire span of human history across the African continent, from the earliest emergence of hominids in Eastern and Southern Africa up to the present day. The book is arranged thematically, beginning with the human colonization of the different regions of Africa, the origins of food production, and the formation of African languages. The achievements of Ancient Egypt are placed in context with the developments in the rest of the continent, and the spread of the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The tradition of urban settlement is traced, especially in Western Africa and the extent and nature of slavery is fully discussed, together with the external slave trade and the caravan trade in pre-colonial times. This leads to an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of African political systems, including why these systems were unable to withstand political pressure from abroad and the ensuing colonization. Later chapters describe the birth of modern African nation-states.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Edition: 2nd Revised edition
Publisher: W&N
Published: 28 Oct 1999
ISBN 10: 0297643665
ISBN 13: 9780297643661