Africa's Great Civilizations

The PBS documentary miniseries Africa's Great Civilizations aired in 2017. The six-part series, hosted by esteemed academic and award-winning historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., is a landmark exploration of Africa's magnificent heritage. It surfaces the profound cultural and historical impact of its empires and civilizations, which have profoundly shaped our modern world.

Piecing together archaeological discoveries, scientific research, oral legends, and historical records and documents, the series takes viewers on a journey into the depths of Africa's history. It uncovers stories of world-shaping empires, political visionaries, and humanity's most important technological and artistic advancements.

The comprehensive exploration begins with the origin of humankind in Africa and the early cultures that have populated the vast continent. It traces the ancestry of modern humans and civilizations rooted in the African cradle likely 200,000 years ago. The first episodes uncover the wealth of human life that emerged from Africa - the birthplace of Homo sapiens. Through these episodes, viewers come to understand how Africa became the mother continent, a seedbed of innovation, deep human connection, and shared stories.

Subsequent episodes delve into the age of empires, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the impact of faith across centuries. The series distinguishes the influence of powers like Aksum, the Kingdom of Ghana, Mali and Songhai, underlining how these states cultivated immense wealth and fostered unprecedented advancements in the humanities and sciences. It reveals how they changed the region's social, economic and political landscapes, achievements that wove the rich tapestry of Africa's history, leaving a substantial legacy to modern civilizations.

The miniseries also explores the narrative of the emergence and spread of Christianity and Islam across Africa. It presents the continent as a fulcrum of global religious thought and expression, demonstrating how these faiths shaped African culture and politics, linking it complexly to the rest of the world. Furthermore, these episodes depict the continent's profound spiritual depth and diversity, commemorating its indigenous religious practices often overshadowed by other global faiths.

Later episodes investigate the European Age of Exploration's impacts, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and Colonialism. Africa's Great Civilizations accurately charts the enslavement of millions of Africans, acknowledging the inhumane cruelty inflicted upon them while demonstrating the strength, resilience, and unwavering human spirit of those enslaved. It goes beyond the brutal legacy of the slave trade and colonial rule, highlighting the African responses, resistances, and strategies that enabled survival in the face of adversity.

The series then transitions into narratives of the 19th and 20th centuries, focussing on Africa's struggles for independence and recognition on the world stage. Viewers witness Africa's fervent fight against colonial rulers, efforts to reclaim its identity, and the ongoing process of decolonization. Focussing on historical events that triggered global recalibration, the series underscores the main players and political movements that reshaped Africa's position in an increasingly globalized world.

Not only does Africa's Great Civilizations shed light on the factual historical events and timelines, but it also weaves the rich cultural and artistic tapestry of Africa. It reflects on the extraordinary art, writing, architecture, and societal systems that flourished on the continent across varying epochs. Each episode pays homage to the myriad forms of cultural expression that tell stories of African identity, resilience, celebration, sorrow, and hope.

Artful storytelling combined with visually-stunning cinematography makes for an impactful viewing experience for both history buffs and novices. Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s scholarship, made accessible to a broader audience through his adept narration, weaves together disparate narrative threads of African history and civilization into a coherent and captivating saga.

In presenting the pivotal and long-lasting contributions of Africa’s great civilizations, the series aims to recalibrate the lens through which world history is commonly viewed. It presents Africa as a continent of profound importance to global cultural heritage, a detail often marginalized or overlooked entirely in many curricula and historical discourses. The series pursues a considerable rectification, demanding a re-evaluation of Africa’s place in world history.

Overall, Africa's Great Civilizations maps the intricate contours of a continent's history that extends far beyond the limited parameters often assigned to it. It offers an accessible bridge – connecting viewers to a rich and complex past, momentarily disrupting time to celebrate the ancient vigor, vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of Africa's great civilizations.