Facing the Sea of Sand: The Sahara and the Peoples of Northern Africa

The Sahara Desert dominates Northern Africa, but it has not always been a desert. From 9000 BC to 3000 BC, the region experienced a warm, humid period allowing vegetation to flourish and wild animals to move in. Humans followed pastoral economies, but the desert reclaimed its own. Since then, fluctuations in climate have affected the lives of people living around the desert fringes. The book explores the growing links between the two worlds, showing that Africa played a crucial part in the development of the Old World before it was drawn into the story of the New World.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Northern Africa is dominated by the vast Sahara Desert, spanning the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. This captivating book delves into the lives of the people who lived on the periphery of this arid landscape, exploring their unique responses to the desert's challenges. It reveals the intricate networks of communication that they established across its vast expanse, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. However, it is important to note that the Sahara has not always been a desolate desert. In fact, from around 9000 BC, the region experienced a warm and humid period, enabling vegetation to thrive and wild animals to roam. Humans soon followed, adopting pastoral economies and settling in the region. However, as the climate became harsher around 3000 BC, the desert reclaimed its dominance, forcing humans to adapt once again. Since then, fluctuations in climate have continued to shape the lives of those living on the fringes of the desert. The communities along the North African Coast and in the Nile Valley have been influenced by the powerful states dominating the Near East and the Mediterranean. In contrast, those living in the Sahel, the region to the south of the desert, have developed their own distinctive cultures, shaped by their unique experiences and adaptations. The book unfolds the story of the growing connections between these two worlds, highlighting Africa's pivotal role in the development of the Old World before it became entangled in the narrative of the New World. It sheds light on the complex interplay of cultures, trade, and migration that characterized this region, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of its historical significance.

Weight: 1082g
Dimension: 198 x 254 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192858887