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Lost Kingdoms of Africa


Lost Kingdoms of Africa
Four-part series in which British art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's most important kingdoms. The African continent is home to nearly a billion people. It has an incredible diversity of communities and cultures, yet we know less of its history than almost anywhere else on earth. But that is beginning to change. In the last few decades researchers and archaeologists have begun to uncover a range of histories as impressive and extraordinary as anywhere else in the world. The series reveals that Africa's stories are preserved for us in its treasures, statues and ancient buildings - in the culture, art and legends of the people.

Genre: Documentary

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  • Watch Lost Kingdoms of Africa Season 1

    • Episode 4

      4. West Africa

      aired: Tue, Jan 26, 2010

      The magnificent Benin bronzes in the British Museum inspire Casely-Hayford to undertake a quest for their origin. The search takes him to modern-day Nigeria and Mali, where the art of fine metalworking has thrived for generations.

    • Episode 3

      3. Great Zimbabwe

      aired: Tue, Jan 19, 2010

      Shrouded in mystery, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe rise from an unlikely spot in Africa's interior. Casely-Hayford traces an ancient gold-trading route inland from the eastern coast and explores the city that served as its source.

    • Episode 2

      2. Ethiopia

      aired: Tue, Jan 12, 2010

      Did the emperors of Ethiopia really descend from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba? Casely-Hayford surveys the Judeo-Christian influences in the land's art, language, and architecture, dating back centuries.

    • Episode 1

      1. Nubia

      aired: Tue, Jan 5, 2010

      Starting in the desert north of Khartoum in modern Sudan, Casely-Hayford journeys to the ancient sites of Kerma, Jebel Barkal, and Meroe to explore a long-lost kingdom that apparently fell victim to climate change.

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