Great Kingdoms of Africa

This book provides an essential overview of great kingdoms in African history and their legacies, written by world-leading experts. It explores how kingship was forged, maintained, and critiqued in Africa, and how it has shaped the course of African history. Despite the decline of absolute monarchy in the modern era, kingship continues to thrive in many present-day African nations, preserving deep-rooted ideas about culture, identity, and sacred power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

From the ancient Nile Valley to the sprawling savannas of medieval West Africa, the towering highlands of Ethiopia, and the vast expanses of forests, lakes, and grasslands to the south, the civilizations of Africa have left an indelible mark on the world's history. However, the story of Africa's past is often overshadowed by the devastating consequences of the slave trade and European colonial rule. In this groundbreaking new book, nine esteemed historians of Africa delve into the rich tapestry of these great kingdoms and empires, spanning over five thousand years of recorded history.

How did kingship emerge in Africa, and how did it function? Was dynastic power maintained through consent or coercion? Did kings and queens openly display their power, or did they conceal it beneath the ornate crowns that masked the faces of revered Yoruba rulers? How have the African people themselves documented, celebrated, and critiqued the actions of their kings?

Great Kingdoms of Africa delves into some of the most fundamental questions of the continent's ancient past. While absolute monarchy has witnessed a decline in the modern era, kingship continues to hold a prominent place in many contemporary African nations. It serves as a testament to the deep-rooted beliefs about culture, identity, and sacred power that have shaped the course of African history. This book offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationships between states and societies across time, shedding light on how powerful and sophisticated kingdoms have shaped the trajectory of African history and continue to exert their influence in the present day.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500252529