Africa (A Glorious Historical Heritage)

Author: Edited by [US] Brown, Translated by Shi Songning
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The volumes of Lost Civilizations showcase the trajectories of the origins and early transformations of civilizations, long forgotten by later generations. Reading them is like adults revisiting old photographs of their childhood—each scene evokes a faint sense of nostalgia. This series can be enjoyed as an art book, while also serving as a reference for travelers to the world, helping them understand the must-see historical sites and landmarks. Lost Civilizations has a well-designed overall presentation, covering various ancient civilizations across both continents. This book is accessible to a general audience but ultimately contains specialized content. Especially when translated into Chinese, the task is not easy, and reproducing so many images from the book presents challenges. It is truly commendable and appreciated. As the second-largest continent, Africa is a land filled with extremes. Its northern and southern ends are the Kalahari Desert and the Sahara Desert, respectively. In the middle lies the lush tropical rainforest of the Congo Basin, the coastal regions of the Gulf of Guinea, towering snow-capped volcanoes, vast tropical savannas, and the East African Rift Valley. Despite this, Africa remains the cradle of humankind. Fossils unearthed there indicate that over a million years ago, a primate capable of using tools—the early human who would later walk upright and evolve into modern humans—already existed on the highlands of eastern Africa, where vegetation was abundant. Africa is not only the birthplace of humanity but also, regardless of its harsh natural conditions, a land that has nurtured vibrant and thriving human cultures.