This eye-opening four-part series reaches back in time to explore realms that rivalled Egypt; buildings as inspiring as medieval cathedrals and art that speaks to us across the centuries.
The series, which first aired on BBC Four and then broadcast on BBC Two, became the highest-rated factual show ever. Lost Kingdoms of Africa will be released on DVD on 6 February 2012.
Presenter Gus Casely-Hayford holds a PhD in African history from London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies. He has also lectured at the Royal College of Art, the University of Westminster and participates on a variety of cultural committees, including the Tate Britain Council.
In his company, we explore Nubia: Starting in the desert north of Khartoum, we journey to the ancient sites of Kerma, Jebel Barkal, and Meroë to explore a long-lost kingdom that may have fallen victim to climate change.
Ethiopia: Did the emperors of Ethiopia really descend from the Biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba? We survey Judeo-Christian influences in the land’s art, language, and architecture which date back centuries.
Great Zimbabwe: Shrouded in mystery, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe rise from an unlikely spot in Africa’s interior. We trace an ancient gold-trading route inland from the eastern coast and explore the city that served as its source.
West Africa: The magnificent Benin bronzes in the British Museum inspire a quest for their origin. The search takes us to modern-day Nigeria and Mali, where the art of fine metalworking has thrived for generations.
Lost Kingdoms of Africa casts new light on a long-neglected area of the world’s cultural heritage.
How to enter this prize draw
For your chance to win Lost Kingdoms of Africa on DVD, simply email your name, address and phone number to prize.draws@saga.co.uk. Please don't forget to specify which prize draw you wish to enter, in this case Lost Kingdoms of Africa.
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Terms and conditions
1. The prize is a DVD of Lost Kingdoms of Africa. We have five to give away, one DVD for each of five winners.
2.The prize is non refundable and non transferable. No cash alternative will be offered. No alternative prize will be offered if unsuitable.
3.No purchase or transaction necessary for entry into the free prize draw.
4.Only one entry per household allowed.
5.Duplicates will not be accepted.
6.All entries must be received on or before the prize draw end date of midday February 27, 2012.
7.The draw will be officiated by the Website Editors.
8.The winner will be notified by email after the prize draw has taken place.
9.The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10.The promoter reserves the right to use the winner's name in any post-event publicity.
11. The draw is promoted by: Saga Publishing Ltd, The Saga Pavilion, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE.
12. This prize draw is not available to retirees, employees, or their families of the Saga Group Limited and its subsidiary companies.
13.This prize draw is not available to retirees, employees, or the families of employees of Acorn Media or Aim Publicity.
14.This prize draw is open to residents of the UK who are aged 50 years or over.
15.The promoter reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time, for any reason and without explanation.
16. A full UK mainland address and telephone number must be provided for delivery purposes.
If you have any questions concerning this prize draw, please write to: The Promoter, Saga Publishing Ltd, The Saga Pavilion, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. The name of the winner will be available on request by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the same address (available approximately 60 days after the prize draw end date).