The fortunes of Africa a 5000-year history of wealth, greed, and endeavour
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable minerals...
| Main Author: | Meredith, Martin (Author) |
|---|---|
| Format: | Books Print Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
New York :
Public Affairs,
2014.
|
| Edition: | First edition. |
| Subjects: |
| Summary: |
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable minerals. Land was another prize. The Romans relied on their colonies in northern Africa for vital grain shipments to feed the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake, eventually colonizing the entire region. More recently, foreign corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did. In this vast and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of European colonization. He examines, too, the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future. |
|---|---|
| Physical Description: |
xxii, 745 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), maps ; 25 cm |
| Bibliography: |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 702-718) and index. |
| ISBN: |
1610396359 9781610396356 9781610394598 1610394593 |
| Author Notes: |
|