David Phillipson presents an illustrated account of African prehistory, from the origins of humanity through European colonization in this revised and expanded edition of his original work. Phillipson considers Egypt and North Africa in their African context, comprehensively reviewing the archaeology of West, East, Central and Southern Africa. His book demonstrates the relevance of archaeological research to understanding contemporary Africa and stresses the continent's contribution to the cultural heritage of humankind.

David W. Phillipson FBA is Professor of African Archaeology and Director of the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge.

1. Introduction; 2. The emergence of humankind in Africa; 3. The consolidation of basic human culture; 4. Regional diversification and specialisation; 5. The beginnings of permanent settlement; 6. Early farmers; 7. Iron-using peoples before 1000; 8. The second millennium AD in Sub-Saharan Africa; Bibliography.