Ancient African Kingdoms: A Captivating Guide to Civilizations of Ancient Africa Such as the Land of Punt, Carthage, the Kingdom of Aksum, the Mali Empire, and the Kingdom of Kush

great african history that should be taught in american schools

Exactly what I was looking for

The chapters of different ancient cultures were interesting. I learned some new things. I thought Aksum was interesting. Some of it was a little dry but the comparing DNA of people and baboons that were exported made it a little interesting.

Learning things about Africa I was not aware of

Great reads

The study of Ancient Africa and it's people should be required study for all of us because we are literally studying our own history. I am able to trace my personal genealogy back to a lot of the people that are included in this collection,but until recently I knew little to nothing about these lands and these people.Captivating History has taken all the facts and information and put them right at my fingertips, and also has piqued my interest in so many areas.I had no idea that these ancient civilizations were as industrious as I learned in this book. I had no idea that they traded so successfully with other countries, travelled as far as they did and fought so hard to expand their kingdoms and to hold on to their own.What these ancient people went through and how hard they fought for survival is just amazing and as always Captivating History gives us the accurate facts and time lines with interesting details.If you are looking for a history book about Africa and it's surrounding civilizations to read,this book is great.If you are looking for a book of human history from the very beginning of the earliest civilizations and how hard they fought to survive and expand so that you are alive and living the life you are now, this book is amazing.Must read.

Matt Clayton has provided a three-hour read on Ancient Africa which attempts to introduce this diverse continent where the first humans were born. As Matt describes, the history of Africa is a challenge because humanity started there but we lost interest in it. I suspect this bias is a result of our focus on European history to the neglect of other civilizations, regardless of their contributions to the human history. Much of the book is focused on the interactions of civilizations circling the Mediterranean which still neglects Central and South Africa.The opening history starts around 1550 BCE and gives us a sense of the political structure and touches base with several empires. One of the long-lasting impacts was the Egyptians and their influence and persistent history.Regardless, many civilizations had a strong economic link to bridge Africa with the rest of the world. Eventually, the continent was reduced to colonialism which has left a lasting impact on the multitude of nations which occupy the continent today.Consider this an introduction. There is a list of references given to provide links for further investigation.

I loved the way it was put together. You got the facts in a way that felt like you were in the story. It had the feeling of a college course taught by a great instructor. Keep up the good work.

If you are looking for a book that scientifically covers Ancient African Civilization, this is NOT for you! This book is an introduction to the subject matter for children, and it is as good as a printed version of Wikipedia. Folklore or mythic origin of civilization is included as historical facts. It is captivating for children NOT for adults. You better spend your money somewhere else!

Always good to read about the more abscure kingdoms. I'd disagree on the idea that "colonial prejudice" suppressed African history. After all expecting European historians to have pursued African history with the same gusto as their own is like expecting African historians to celebrate and record European history in equal measure to thier own. That aside it's a valuable record of early kingdoms whose achievements often get dwarfed by later and more influential European powers.

Far too much about Nubia/Egypt etc...nothing about central or southern Africa. Also seems to be written for children. Far more (large, legible) maps and illustrations would have improved it. Disappointing in so many aspects.