Mediaeval African History

Brought to you by Penguin. Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone. For too long, Africa's history has been neglected. Dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, its past has been fragmented, overlooked and denied its rightful place in our...

Africa is a vast continent whose waters, fertile lands, minerals, and diverse wildlife nurtured humankind since ancient times until European colonization and exploitation caused immeasurable suffering and loss. To understand how Africa developed, thrived, suffered, and emerged into the rich tapestry of peoples that it is today, take a trip back to the ancient River Nile and the East African coast.

Pick up almost any book on early and medieval world history and empire, and where do you find West Africa? On the periphery. This pioneering book tells a different story. Interweaving political and social history and drawing on a rich array of sources, Michael Gomez unveils a new vision of how categories of ethnicity, race, gender, and caste emerged in Africa and in global history. 

Beginning in prehistoric times, West Africa has always been an incredible region. Early nomadic tribes settled into some of the earliest communities on Earth and learned how to work with metal. Various West African tribes then became adept at working with metal and were some of the most skilled artisans in the world. As civilizations developed in West Africa, nomadic tribes turned into urban societies that built kingdoms. Eventually, some of the greatest leaders in the world created mighty West African empires.

When most people think about the Middle Ages, they think about Europe. Images of knights, jousting, and even Christianity, seem ingrained in our understanding of the medieval era. However, the Middle Ages stretched far beyond Europe, which was struggling to rebuild after the fall of the Roman Empire. Europe may have fumbled along for about a thousand years, but Africa became a powerhouse of trade and wealth.

Uncover how a medieval African superpower dominated the global gold trade and shaped the destiny of the western Sahel. Perfect for a daily commute or a focused afternoon of learning, this immersive historical deep dive transports listeners straight to the bustling commercial crossroads of early...

Recent research has revealed that the richest person of all time lived in the 14th century in West Africa and went by many names, including Kankan Musa Keita, Emir of Melle, Lord of the Mines of Wangara, Conqueror of Ghanata, and the Lion of Mali II, but today he is usually referred to as Mansa Musa. Adjusting his wealth to modern values, he was worth about an estimated $400 billion as the Sultan of ancient Mali, which controlled the trade routes across the Sahara Desert.  

Experience the epic rise and devastating fall of West Africa's greatest historical empire in this immersive narrative. Perfect for an educational commute, this sweeping historical account transports you to the bustling trans-Saharan trade routes of the medieval Sahel. Discover how a modest...

Uncover the millennium-long survival of a forgotten African empire that dominated the Sahel through trade and diplomacy. Journey to the shores of Lake Chad, where brilliant rulers and resilient societies forged a powerful centralized state against shifting climates and fierce regional rivalries...

Trace the rise of mighty African empires and the fierce struggle for decolonization in this immersive historical journey. Perfect for your educational commute, this sweeping narrative uncovers the vibrant trade networks of Great Zimbabwe and the profound impact of global forces on southern...

Uncover the awe-inspiring rise of medieval West Africa, where exiled kings forged boundless power from gold and salt. Perfect for your morning commute or a historical deep dive, this epic narrative transports you to the sun-baked savannas of the Sahel. Immerse yourself in a captivating era of...

Journey through ancient African history to explore a monumental lost city and the powerful Shona kingdom that built it. Whether you seek a thought-provoking escape for your commute or crave a broader worldview, this evocative archaeological journey delivers. The towering granite walls of...

Experience the epic rise and dramatic collapse of a medieval African empire fueled by gold and trans-Saharan trade. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive historical journey transports you to the thriving grasslands and blistering deserts of the Western Sahel. Discover how a modest...

Step into the epic rise of West Africa's greatest trading empire during your next immersive audiobook commute. Discover how a small riverine society on the Niger River transformed into a massive geopolitical powerhouse. This focused narrative captures the brilliant leadership, commercial...

Explore the epic rise and fall of West Africa's greatest empire through the legendary reign of a visionary gold king. Transform your daily commute into an immersive journey across the Sahara Desert. This educational historical biography transports you to the banks of the Niger River, where...

Discover the immersive social history of a legendary African desert metropolis where ordinary people shaped global trade. Perfect for your daily commute, this evocative historical nonfiction reconstructs the bustling markets, intimate households, and sacred mosques of the Sahel. Whether...