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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
Episode
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six

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Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six
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52:30
Season 1 Episode 6
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six
Explore the dynamism of 19th century Africa and the "scramble” for its riches.
The Atlantic Age | Hour Five
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52:11
Season 1 Episode 5
The Atlantic Age | Hour Five
Explores the impact of the Atlantic world and the transatlantic slave trade.
Cities | Hour Four
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52:01
Season 1 Episode 4
Cities | Hour Four
Explores the great African cities and their wealth and industry.
Empires of Gold | Hour Three
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52:31
Season 1 Episode 3
Empires of Gold | Hour Three
Uncover complex trade networks & educational institutions in north and west Africa.
The Cross and The Crescent | Hour Two
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52:31
Season 1 Episode 2
The Cross and The Crescent | Hour Two
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. charts the rise and impact of Christianity and Islam across Africa.
Origins | Hour One
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52:31
Season 1 Episode 1
Origins | Hour One
Uncover the origins of man and early human society in Africa with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Interview with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
2:00
Interview with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Learn more about Africa's Great Civilizations with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
City of Timbuktu
1:41
City of Timbuktu
The heart of ancient Timbuktu’s intellectual life was its libraries.
The Swahili Coast
2:59
The Swahili Coast
For over 1,000 years, African merchants gathered on the Swahili coast, known as Azania.
City of Marrakesh
2:44
City of Marrakesh
When it was founded in the year 1070, Marrakesh was a center of politics and law.
The City of Gondar
3:39
The City of Gondar
Travel to the ancient city of Gondar in Africa's Great Civilizations.
The City of Great Zimbabwe
2:36
The City of Great Zimbabwe
The Great Enclosure of Great Zimbabwe conveyed majesty, wealth, and architectural genius.
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