Ages 8 to 14 years. From the first hunting and gathering societies to the great Nubian kingdoms of Kush, Africa has for centuries been the centre of great cultural activity across its mountains, deserts, and rainforests. Life in Ancient Africa portrays the major civilisations of the ancient African era using maps and beautiful full-colour photographs and illustrations. Topics include: Zimbabwe, Aksum, Meroe, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai; the rise of hundreds of regional dialects; pyramids, temples, royal tombs, and palaces; irrigation and other farming techniques; Trans-Sahara caravan routes and trade with the rest of the world; the discovery of mineral resources; an oral storytelling culture; music and dance.