Arola
Subtitle: a journey into ten ancient African civilizations
By: Zakes Mda ; illustrated by Neo Mda (paintings) and Zenzi Mda (cartoons)
Contributors: Mda, Neo, illustrator; Mda, Zenzi, illustrator
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: St Francis Production
Published: 2021
Place of publication: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Language: eng
Number of pages: 120
ISBN-13: 9780620944717; 9780620944731
Subjects: Princesses; Juvenile fiction; Ancient Civilization; Kings and rulers; Romans, nouvelles, etc. pour la jeunesse; Civilisation ancienne
Other titles: Journey into ten ancient African civilizations
Description: "Contrary to what is taught at many schools the world over, Africa's history did not begin with the coming of Europeans into the continent. This book by the legendary Zakes Mda, aims to correct that false notion. As the author has said elsewhere, It is important for the African child, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to internalize a new mindset that we have not always been slaves. Our history does not begin with slavery and colonization. Ancient Africans built empires and civilizations that were respected in all the known world, and whose legacies remain to this day. Our story traces Arola's journey as she goes back in time to visit ten of those civilizations. Though the journey is fictional, the ancient places visited are reconstructed as accurately as possible using available research, including ancient writings, works of art and architecture. Although the book is targeted at middle grade and young adults, it is of interest to readers of all ages. All will indeed find it very entertaining while they learn facts on Africa's contribution to humanity."--
Table of contents: title: It pays to be curious; title: The kingdom of Kush and the Nubian Pharaohs : Arola meet the Nubian princesses; title: The empire of Aksum : Arola visits an ancient Kingdom of farmers and traders; title: The Mande civilizations : Arola visits the ancient empire of Ghana; title: Arora visits the ancient empire of Mali; title: The three gold and ivory civilizations of Southern Africa : the kingdom of Mapungubwe; title: The Kingdom of Zimbabwe; title: Kingdom of Mutapa - Back in today Mapungubwe; title: The Zangwe dynasty : Arola visits the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; title: From Nok to Ife : Arola come across naturalism in art; title: Benin Empire - the final chapter : Arola witnesses wholesale looting; title: Back home.