The history of the African continent covers thousands of years, thousands of kilometres and millions of peoples speaking hundreds of languages. There are countless stories, dances, poems and songs. They tell the history of the great ancient civilisations, such as the Egyptians; the powerful kingdoms in West Africa of Mali and Songhai; the trading cities of Timbuktu and Gao; and enormous structures, such as the pyramids and Great Zimbabwe. This book looks at the great civilisations of the African continent and the people within these complex societies. The Black History series brings together a wide range of events and experiences from the past to promote knowledge and understanding of black culture today.