Ancient Kingdoms
Amelia Khatri
Translator A AI
Publisher: Publifye
Summary
Ancient Kingdoms explores the fascinating histories of pre-colonial Africa by focusing on the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Challenging Eurocentric perspectives, the book reveals how these West African empires actively shaped global trade and cultivated unique cultural identities. You'll discover how Ghana initially thrived through its control of the gold trade, and how Mali, under Mansa Musa, experienced a golden age marked by Islamic scholarship. The book progresses chronologically, starting with Ghana and moving through Mali to Songhai, each chapter revealing the political systems, economic structures, and cultural practices that allowed these kingdoms to flourish. What truly distinguishes Ancient Kingdoms is its commitment to presenting African history from an African-centered perspective, emphasizing agency and innovation while providing a balanced assessment of each kingdom’s strengths and weaknesses. By connecting these histories to broader themes in world history, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the unique contributions and shared challenges of these significant African civilizations.
