Download The Lost Kingdoms of Africa by Gus Casely-Hayford PDF

By Gus Casely-Hayford

For plenty of people the heritage of Africa is, at most sensible, imprecise. we'd ponder Egyptian pyramids, mythical queens (of Sheba or Cleopatra) and Zulu warriors. the reality, besides the fact that, is considered one of remarkably different, inventive, culturally wealthy civilisations. during this ebook, which accompanies an 8-part BBC sequence, Gus Casely-Hayford takes us on a desirable trip in the course of the historical past of this outstanding continent. we'll come upon archaeological websites of surprising attractiveness that rival the good Wall of China, tremendous and historic universities that predate Oxford and Cambridge, kingdoms of amazing wealth, creative traditions that also encourage artists this present day, nice non secular websites that surpass the Vatican, and a rustic with extra pyramids than Egypt.

In fresh years new archaeological and anthropological learn has unfolded the learn of African background in methods formerly incredible. Long-lost kingdoms are by surprise being introduced again to existence. Civilisations that had light into fantasy are revealing their secrets and techniques. utilizing this most modern examine, Gus Casely-Hayford is ready to inform the background of Africa's significant kingdoms in a completely new, vibrant and richly-informed way.

Accessible and encouraging, The misplaced Kingdoms of Africa is either an enormous addition to our realizing of this oft-overlooked historical past and a resource of actual pride and sweetness.

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A few black rhino survived their white cousins into the 1930s, but died out because of insufficient numbers, and elephants had been completely eradicated by hunters. Even the now-prolific buffalo had been reduced to one small herd, and only leopard and lion were common. Elephant later recolonised the Kruger from Mozambique, but for many years the population remained small. When James Stevenson-Hamilton retired as warden in 1946 there were only 450 elephants in the park and sightings could not be guaranteed, a situation somewhat different from today where they are abundant in every region.

By this time, 50-odd years had passed since the first park was announced, and South Africa had successfully proclaimed nine national parks. However, most were very small and certainly not capable of functioning as viable ecosystems, with the larger Kruger and Kalahari Gemsbok parks comprising 99 percent of all national park land. By 1985 there were 10 parks covering 2 971 534 hectares, and many new national parks have since been proclaimed. Following the amalgamation of three parks in the Garden Route area in March 2009 the current national park estate consists of 19 parks covering 4 056 895 hectares.

Progress to date has been most encouraging. There is every reason to believe that the future of Table Mountain will be better than its past, and that over time the park will result in many benefits flowing to local people. The Fairest Cape is in capable hands. PARK IN BRIEF Date of proclamation & area 14 500 ha proclaimed in 1998. Currently 28 898 ha. Location & nearest town Western Cape. The park occupies the peninsular mountains and adjoins the city of Cape Town with a number of coastal towns such as Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Hout Bay.

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