Description
Book Synopsis: A leading historian reconstructs the forgotten history of medieval AfricaFrom the birth of Islam in the seventh century to the voyages of European exploration in the fifteenth, Africa was at the center of a vibrant exchange of goods and ideas. It was an African golden age in which places like Ghana, Nubia, and Zimbabwe became the crossroads of civilizations, and where African royals, thinkers, and artists played celebrated roles in the globalized world of the Middle Ages. The Golden Rhinoceros brings this unsung era marvelously to life, taking readers from the Sahara and the Nile River Valley to the Ethiopian highlands and southern Africa.
Drawing on fragmented written sources as well as his many years of experience as an archaeologist, François-Xavier Fauvelle painstakingly reconstructs an African past that is too often denied its place in history—but no longer. He looks at ruined cities found in the mangrove, exquisite pieces of art, rare artifacts like the golden rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, ancient maps, and accounts left by geographers and travelers—remarkable discoveries that shed critical light on political and architectural achievements, trade, religious beliefs, diplomatic episodes, and individual lives.
A book that finally recognizes Africa’s important role in the Middle Ages, The Golden Rhinoceros also provides a window into the historian’s craft. Fauvelle carefully pieces together the written and archaeological evidence to tell an unforgettable story that is at once sensitive to Africa’s rich social diversity and alert to the trajectories that connected Africa with the wider Muslim and Christian worlds.
Details
Step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures of medieval Africa with The Golden Rhinoceros: Histories of the African Middle Ages. Delve into a forgotten era where Africa stood at the crossroads of civilizations, flourishing with vibrant trade and cultural exchange. This captivating book by leading historian François-Xavier Fauvelle breathes life into Africa's golden age, inviting you on a journey from the Sahara to southern Africa, revealing the continent's rich history and influential figures.
Unlock the mysteries of Africa's past as Fauvelle meticulously pieces together fragmented sources and archaeological findings to paint a vivid portrait of a time often overlooked in history books. Discover majestic ruins, exquisite artwork, and rare artifacts like the legendary golden rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, offering insights into Africa's political prowess, architectural marvels, and profound societal diversity.
Don't miss this groundbreaking work that celebrates Africa's pivotal role in shaping the global landscape of the Middle Ages. The Golden Rhinoceros not only sheds light on Africa's rich heritage but also provides a unique glimpse into the art of historical reconstruction. Immerse yourself in a compelling narrative that bridges continents and cultures, bringing to light the interconnectedness of Africa with the broader Muslim and Christian worlds.
Embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment with The Golden Rhinoceros: Histories of the African Middle Ages. Uncover the untold stories of Africa's past and immerse yourself in a world of intrigue, artistry, and historical significance. Order your copy today and explore a chapter of history that is as captivating as it is illuminating.
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