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Africa's Great Civilizations

Africa's Great Civilizations

In his 6-hour series, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century. This is a breathtaking and personal journey through two hundred thousand years of history, from the origins, on the African continent, of art, writing, and civilization itself.
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six
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Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six

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City of Ile Ife | Africa's Great Civilizations
2:13
City of Ile Ife | Africa's Great Civilizations
Explore ancient African civilizations and the origin story of Ile Ife.
City of Marrakesh | Africa's Great Civilizations
2:44
City of Marrakesh | Africa's Great Civilizations
When it was founded in the year 1070, Marrakesh was a center of politics and law.
The City of Great Zimbabwe | Africa's Great Civilizations
2:36
The City of Great Zimbabwe | Africa's Great Civilizations
The Great Enclosure of Great Zimbabwe conveyed majesty, wealth, and architectural genius.
The City of Gondar | Africa's Great Civilizations
3:39
The City of Gondar | Africa's Great Civilizations
Travel to the ancient city of Gondar in Africa's Great Civilizations.
Lalibela | Africa's Great Civilizations
2:58
Lalibela | Africa's Great Civilizations
Explore 12 churches that were carved out of rock in the ancient Ethiopian highlands.
Afro Combs | Africa's Great Civilizations
1:48
Afro Combs | Africa's Great Civilizations
Did you know that afro combs were used in ancient African civilizations?
The Swahili Coast | Africa's Great Civilizations
2:59
The Swahili Coast | Africa's Great Civilizations
For over 1,000 years, African merchants gathered on the Swahili coast, known as Azania.
Ironworking | Africa's Great Civilizations
3:09
Ironworking | Africa's Great Civilizations
Did you know that the invention of ironworking has its roots in Africa?
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