Show students pictures of ancient ruins and artifacts from the great African empires. World History Videodisc. Briefly discuss the feelings evoked by images of a thriving, prosperous nation contrasted with images of the ruins of the same civilization. Procedure Have a sketch on the chalkboard or overhead of the ruined statue of Ozymandias as described in the following poem.
Nothing beside remains.
Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, The lone and level sands stretch far away. Have students visualize this image and contrast it with an image of the living, breathing man who had the statue of himself made. Summary Tell students as they look at pictures of artifacts and ruins to visualize what the civilization must have been at its zenith. It should be similar to how citizens of the United States might wish people of the far distant future to think of our civilization as they look at pictures of our ruins. Go to African Cities .