Original version

BBC Four

BBC 4

Lost Kingdoms of Africa

Documentaries

Factual: History

Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of Africa's most important kingdoms

British art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's most important kingdoms

BBC Two

BBC Two England

England

BBC Two Scotland

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

Lost Kingdoms of Africa: Series 1

Gus Casely-Hayford

Michael Simkin

Ross Harper

Rachel Bell

Lost Kingdoms of Africa: Series 1: Episode 3: Great Zimbabwe

Factual

Great Zimbabwe

Episode 3

Episode 3: Great Zimbabwe

Series 1

BBC Four - Lost Kingdoms of Africa, Series 1, Great Zimbabwe

Gus Casely-Hayford explores the history of Great Zimbabwe, a symbol of African genius.

Gus Casely-Hayford explores the history of Great Zimbabwe, a symbol of African genius which gives an insight into the empires which once dominated southern Africa.

Four-part series in which British art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's most important kingdoms.

The African continent is home to nearly a billion people. It has an incredible diversity of communities and cultures, yet we know less of its history than almost anywhere else on earth. 

But that is beginning to change. In the last few decades, researchers and archaeologists have begun to uncover a range of histories as impressive and extraordinary as anywhere else in the world.

The series reveals that Africa's stories are preserved for us in its treasures, statues and ancient buildings - in the culture, art and legends of the people.

In 1871, European explorers stumbled across an astonishing ruined city deep in the African interior. Great Zimbabwe has been a source of fascination and controversy ever since, a symbol of African genius and a fascinating insight into the empires which once dominated southern Africa.
 
Casely-Hayford goes in search of the roots of this immense kingdom. He traces the trade in gold and precious goods that sustained it and uncovers the kingdoms that grew up around it.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's kingdoms

Series in which British art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's most important kingdoms

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Lost Kingdoms of Africa

Series 1

Episode 3: Great Zimbabwe

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four