Beginning with Africa's ancient history as the cradle of mankind, this documentary series with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. brings to life the epic stories of both little-known and celebrated African kingdoms and cultures.
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52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
Origins | Hour One
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Africa's Great Civilizations
The Cross and The Crescent | Hour Two
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Africa's Great Civilizations
Empires of Gold | Hour Three
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Africa's Great Civilizations
Cities | Hour Four
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52:11
Africa's Great Civilizations
The Atlantic Age | Hour Five
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52:30
Africa's Great Civilizations
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six
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Africa's Great Civilizations
Afro Combs | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Africa's Great Civilizations
City of Ile Ife | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Africa's Great Civilizations
City of Marrakesh | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Africa's Great Civilizations
City of Meroe | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Africa's Great Civilizations
The City of Great Zimbabwe | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Africa's Great Civilizations
The Swahili Coast | Africa's Great Civilizations
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Full Episodes
Episode
52:30
Africa's Great Civilizations
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations
Gates explores the dynamism of 19th-century Africa, the "scramble" by European powers for its riches, and the defiant and successful stand of uncolonized Ethiopia.
Episode
52:11
Africa's Great Civilizations
The Atlantic Age
Gates explores the impact of the Atlantic trading world, giving rise to powerful new kingdoms, but also transatlantic slave trade. Learn of the revolutionary movements of the 18th-early 19th centuries, including the advent of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Episode
52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
Empires of Gold
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the complex trade networks and advanced educational institutions that transformed early north and west Africa from deserted lands into the continent's wealthiest kingdoms and learning centers.
Episode
52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
The Cross and the Crescent
Gates charts the rise of Christianity and Islam, whose economic and cultural influence stretched from Egypt to Ethiopia. Learn of African religious figures like King Lalibela, an Ethiopian saint, and Menelik, bringer of the Ark of the Covenant.
Episode
52:30
Africa's Great Civilizations
Commerce and the Clash of Civilizations | Hour Six
Explore the dynamism of 19th century Africa and the "scramble” for its riches.
Episode
52:11
Africa's Great Civilizations
The Atlantic Age | Hour Five
Explores the impact of the Atlantic world and the transatlantic slave trade.
Episode
52:01
Africa's Great Civilizations
Cities | Hour Four
Explores the great African cities and their wealth and industry.
Episode
52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
Empires of Gold | Hour Three
Uncover complex trade networks & educational institutions in north and west Africa.
Episode
52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
The Cross and The Crescent | Hour Two
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. charts the rise and impact of Christianity and Islam across Africa.
Episode
52:31
Africa's Great Civilizations
Origins | Hour One
Uncover the origins of man and early human society in Africa with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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