A discussion of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai people of Africa, including who they were, where they lived, the rise of civilization, social structure, religion, art and architecture, science and technology, daily life, entertainment and sports, and fall of civilization.

Chronicles the rise and fall of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhay empires in West Africa from the first to the sixteenth century, and includes a time line, glossary, pronunciation guide, and further reading list.