7. The Songhai Empire - Africa's Age of Gold

[@Jerry333Scott]

Last year I decided to start watching History Videos while I walk 1.5 miles each day on my treadmill, 3, 30 minute sessions each day. I am up to close to 500 hours of viewing. Mentally I have been all over the world. Focused on all the different World Cultures. I will say that these videos are the absolute best I have seen, Few come close to the standards exhibited here. Thank you, you made me a richer 70 year old man.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Keep it up Jerry!

[@bobbiebrandel3152]

and a richer 72-year-old woman. thank you so much for this production.

[@LiliRoseMcKayMusic]

I do the exact same thing!! Listen to history while walking on the treadmill

[@profsasikumark8210]

@@LiliRoseMcKayMusic l worked in Nigeria for 5 years and know something about their history and culture. But this video gave me a real insight in to the West African Culture. Thank you for the wonderful efforts!

[@User0000000000000004]

I hope everything you watch is accurate!

[@hadjaragado1458]

I am so happy to see this. I am Songhai and we were taught about this in school. I was always raised to know that I come from great people and great civilization. I am glad more people are taking about it.

[@jessefisher1809]

From this documentary I gathered the songhai was only really prosperous for a single generation... is that true?

[@hadjaragado1458]

Well for hundred years to be exact. However the kingdom of Songhai (that will later become the empire) has been around much longer. The problem with many of these empires (Songhai and Mali before it) is that they had great leaders that improved them and very mediocre ones that led them to their ends

[@timekeeper2738]

@@hadjaragado1458 its a shame your history isnt more well known i hope more people learn about this incredible civilisation!

[@xDarkjoy]

@@hadjaragado1458 Book burning and city purges are greatness?

[@hadjaragado1458]

@@xDarkjoy bro/sis don't come for me I am not your mate

[@heehokuzunoha7757]

Pretty cool that you can find such thorough, high quality documentaries on KZbin these days. Compared to the made for TV documentaries that have obnoxious sound effects and loud, unfitting music the quality of this series is truly impeccable.

[@russelljackson2818]

Not to mention those horrrrribly cringe-worthy reenactments.

[@smurfyday]

You can also find tons of cultists and extremists. I see them in the recommendations all the time even though I never click on them.

[@Ryan-eu3kp]

yeh and don't get me started how they always dumb things down to the point it gets insulting.

[@arostwocents]

This is like a BBC documentary from back when it was worth paying for and valued by citizens rather than reviled for its woke racism on every program.

[@wildfire9280]

@@arostwocents “Belief that systemic injustices in society need to be fixed.” -definition of “woke”, paraphrased from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ legal team. If that’s “woke racism”, then things like Radical Reconstruction and even emancipation, the entire Progressive Era, and even the founding of the United States all fall under it.

[@abdulkn96]

As a West African, I really love this and how you've put this in proper context, laying it out in a way that helps us understand the geography of the place, its people and their society. This is amazing, even more so for someone like myself who knows this history and I must say, well done. There is a lot lot more African history that's just as intriguing as this. Please do more like this. Bravo! 👏🏾

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Akay, very kind of you!

[@rossburke9403]

Are there any channels or videos you recommend on the history on Africa as a whole pre-coloniazation?

[@rossburke9403]

@@FallofCivilizations this work is incredible sir!!!!!

[@spookidrew4284]

Totally agree. Like ethopia!

[@Usthereout]

@@TheKlecker1 wdym

[@fatimamaiga3881]

As a Songhai, I am so grateful for this video. If it wasn't for it, I would of still been clueless of the Greatest Empire that my ancestors had built in west Africa. Thank you!

[@afriquesupreme]

I have written 23 books on African history and I can tell you that most of the accounts in this video are either racists or false. You should not rely on a european to tell you about your history because he will do so from an european centric world view. You should rely on african writers who live and breathe the african culture to tell you about your history. I hope you understand that. Should you want to know the true history, type my name in the KZbin search engine.

[@NyamebaNana]

​@@afriquesupremeMr. how do you want Fatima to watch your videos instead for the true history when your videos are in French? Or you assume she and other Africans speak and understand French??

[@jimj9040]

@@afriquesupremeYou sound racist and false to me. I hope you understand that.

[@habibahas13]

Dr. Edward Robinson shared a recording & a Book titled The Songhai People .... His is a beautiful awakening ... recorded in the 1970s❣💥🤗👍🏽🤩

[@keenannorris3309]

@@afriquesupreme What specifically do you think is racist in this video?

[@Talleyhoooo]

Amazingly presented, I can’t express how much this video has been life changing for me. It kicked off my personal research to map my family tree, and through sheer coincidence, I tracked it back to a captured soldier from the Songhai region, who came to the America in the late 1500’s. Discovering this part of my family’s story started with this video years ago, and it has brought so much to my life to learn about my connection to this phase of history. Thank you, this is the least that I can do.

[@danielcruz5700]

Do you know if he was a hebrew?

[@Talleyhoooo]

@@danielcruz5700 Also there was a detail that he was seized after being captured while raiding neighboring villages. I’m not sure if it was a large scale battle or just a group of bandits, either way he might have ended up a victim of the same trade that he was involved in.

[@darklex5150]

​@@Talleyhoooohuh, kind of ironic.

[@Talleyhoooo]

@@darklex5150 How so?

[@darklex5150]

@@Talleyhoooo well, you wrote "he might have eneded up a victim of the same trade that he was involved in". That's the ironic part.

[@reichhb]

This reminds me of what history channel used to be like. Back before ice road truckers and gold diggers. You have made my long work hours so much easier by giving me something to consume and research when I get home. I appreciate you Mr. Cooper!

[@bcalloway9798]

History of Cleopatra

[@anaibarangan4908]

Or Jade Fever to sell it to China. Why would Communists want so much jade, imperial jade, including from The United States of America? Oh, believe that are imperial lineages ancestry families leadership? I don't think so.

[@spudwesth]

Read books instead.

[@capoislamort100]

@@spudwesthexactly, nothing beats reading.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

❤

[@Nierez]

I can't binge this. There is so much quality that I ponder over every video for a couple of days before moving on.

[@jrmckim]

Same for me

[@rachaelb.]

I don't understand. Why can't you binge this? What's wrong with pondering over beautiful content?? Please keep watching and please share this with young ones. They need to see how nature works.

[@glc0stanza]

@@rachaelb. I will watch all but I cannot binge this either. I just feel like these videos can provide lots of time for imagination in between.

[@Myytzlplk]

​@@rachaelb.I understand because I am that way with books. The very best books I've read (which are rare), I will consciously slow down my reading so as to savor the words. I also get the same effect from this channel. 3rd time I've listened to just this episode

[@AKELLONASHNYC]

Read my response

[@User0000000000000004]

In the old times, before the Internet and global media conglomerates, this is what documentaries used to be like. On PBS they were even this long and had zero adverts. This series is a standard to which we used to hold informational content. The world as it exists today feels like the tail end of one of these fallen civilizations.

[@othellotyrant3152]

Don't be so gullible Mcfly!

[@thebitcoingarden]

PBS is and always has been full of government/statist propaganda.

[@jonathangeddes9786]

@@othellotyrant3152 you just provided more evidence. Trolling is a low bar

[@theresaatutubo3190]

@@thebitcoingarden mm

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Our civilization checks all the boxes of a civilization that has reached it's zenith and is on it's way down the bell curve to collapse and ruin, and is taking the Earth's systems that allow for existence with it.. There is a horrible danger in recounting the names and dates and battles, but never learning the lessons that have always led to our self destruction, glorifying all the wrong things.."The Earth is littered with the ruins of civilizations and empires that thought they were eternal" "All of our exalted technological progress, civilization for that matter, is comparable to an axe in the hand of a pathological criminal"--ALBERT EINSTEIN

[@catherinepalun972]

I absolutely love this narrator.....he’s clear and concise ,and gives an interesting story to all his videos ! I’m 75 and enjoy learning about history especially presented by this wonderful man. Thank you 🙏 so much. Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@This_is_my_spout]

He's not just the narrator, he's the historian behind it too! Just an all around impressive person it seems.

[@Azuroth]

Can we PLEASE get another one of these... This is amazing content! African empires don't get enough attention and these stories need to be shared.

[@Hello-ig1px]

i highly disagree, no one cares about african empires, besides ptolemic egypt and carthage. maybe, i would throw kush in there too, but that is just a maybe.

[@OkOk-sx7tx]

They are gettin suppressed for a reason…

[@OkOk-sx7tx]

@@zzrhardy Bahahhahah…. This is exactly what I mean. Forgot Ethiopia and Sudan? What about them they built literally Egypt before egypt.

[@harshulbarooah6556]

@@OkOk-sx7tx What does your last sentence mean? I know that Sudanic civilization is 1 or 2 millennia older than Egypt, and that Ethiopian civilization may be more than 10,000 years old, i just don't get what exactly you meant by them building Egypt before Egypt

[@OkOk-sx7tx]

@@harshulbarooah6556 Check The link and read some more it will explain everything to you about it.

[@redsail08]

Absolutely brilliant! I spent a semester in Mali while in college and learned a lot about its history. I am always so disappointed with any documentaries of this region as they tend to be very condescending and Euro-centric. Finally, this documentary provides a more matter of fact and deeply researched and highly intelligent view.

[@ronsock1795]

In the early days of youtube you couldn't find documentaries about African or middle eastern civilizations that did not feature ancient aliens. This website has come a long way.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

@@ronsock1795 It's not the site that's changed, it's the people loading content onto it. Particularly, you can find content uploaded by the peoples themselves rather than content through the perspective of outsiders.

[@nomaddiaries9790]

This is also very Eurocentric

[@martyollier7536]

@@nomaddiaries9790 The internet is Eurocentric... because without Europe you wouldn't have it.

[@205kiddd3]

@@martyollier7536 lies!!!!!🤡

[@jangelbrich7056]

THANKS! Precolonial African history used to be an absolutely blind spot for me for far too long. And then fidning this jewel of a documentary -absolutely great!

[@leonhenry4861]

This is just west Africa, the East and South have their own history. The oldest civilisation know to man is in the south.

[@leonhenry4861]

@Wpz Rpd If you say so.

[@hellenmoreira9991]

No its not. It's on middle east@@leonhenry4861

[@nathanfry991]

I have been facinated by history since I was a small child and searching for quality documentaries is a struggle. I previously finished the Sumarian episode and I am instantly in love with this series. This is the first time I will probably become a patreon supporter. The sheer quality of research, length, and subject matter is beyond match. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@cg9612]

This series made me a Patreon supporter too.

[@mickbrown8249]

@Nathan Fry I conquer with your comment absolutely, respect MJB SHROPSHIRE...

[@gideonjones5712]

"I have witnessed the ruin of learning, and its utter collapse." Man, I teared up at that. At least some people still valued it enough to preserve what works they could. I kind of wondered if Timbuktu was a real place or not as a kid, can't believe I never knew it was basically a city sized library. And I thought the library of Alexandria was a big deal. Learn something new everyday, huh? Some things can't collapse forever.

[@connycontainer9459]

Going there with a friend, name is Tim. You can come along as I booked a ticket and Tim booked two.

[@SteadyPlaying]

Yeah its amazing we have people writng that 500 years ago and now people are trying to not get vaccinated as they are dumb and are easily scared by other idiots.

[@connycontainer9459]

Jokes aside, there are some more contemporary stories of how it's inhabitants managed to smuggle out scriptures during the more recent fanatic onslaughts (don't remember exactly but if you google it should be during paaste decade).

[@hrishabkumarsharma1355]

@@MrPeachblossom how is that different from any other era of human history

[@souksalasith4535]

@@connycontainer9459 quality joke!! here is your trophy🏺

[@jamescolvin1048]

Your documentaries are the only series that I can wholeheartedly recommend to my students. Impeccable work. Your videos have a production quality above and beyond what is shown on any TV network.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks James, I appreciate you spreading the word!

[@DNBon.an808]

this comment made me subscribe before the show started

[@pbohearn]

Your students are lucky to have a teacher, who is so concerned about the quality of educational materials provided to them. I would agree that this series, all with a common theme of the demise of great empires around the world during the human history, excels with amazing details of the people, places and issues as well as incredible visuals that reinforce the story. I love history and I love this Channel!

[@bobbyboling4930]

This is by far one of the most captivating channels on KZbin. Most history channels just regurgitate known/unknown knowledge in the most mundane attitude, like they dont even find it exciting. I appreciate your dedication to create quality content. Thank you.

[@laurel1865]

It’s like a history lecture at a university. I wondered if he’s is a professor.

[@konnecthd8797]

A great documentary about Africa's history; a history which had been denied until recent years. I can't wait for your narratives about the other kingdoms and city states- Great Zimbabwe, Hausa Fulani, Kush, Aksum, City States of the East African coast, etc. which predated colonialism by hundreds of years. It's only when we recognized Africa's contribution to human history that we might start respecting our human species. You are the best historian I have ever listened to!

[@craigallen5963]

I think this is one of the most impressively written, researched, and put together video programs on youtube.

[@3rd.Eye.Saw.Destruction]

Yeah we get it you don’t have to keep commenting on different accounts

[@craigallen5963]

@@3rd.Eye.Saw.Destruction -I only have 1 account there, sunshine.

[@adriancoulter2625]

Yeah, this series (Fall of Civilizations) is brilliant.

[@szamiduzaable]

I just discovered this channel and I got to admit I'm amazed. This should be played in school, not joking.

[@galaxyalexanderh5737]

All of them seem to be

[@capusvacans]

To all involved with creating these docus from "Fall of civilisations" i have only one thing to say: "Thank you, your content is spectacular."

[@hollymcquithey7912]

The quality of this series is unmatched. 5 stars!

[@fuhkoffandie]

As far down as I can scroll down in the comments, people are thanking you, and just saying what I'm saying. What an awesome job. Extremely professional, detailed, and you touch on many sensitive topics pertaining to Africa, which is a continent not often talked about. A continent that has a connection with all of us. A continent that holds the key to our beginnings. Definitely a five-star production, my friend. Once again, excellent job.😁

[@classiclife7204]

I guess I'm a glass-half-empty guy because I see a lot of ignorance and hate here. That Like/Dislike ratio also tells the story. Eventually Cooper is going to stop posting here for free, if only to get away from the mouthbreathers.

[@lucifer12354]

@@classiclife7204 the hate are from white people, obviously

[@xxx2397]

@@classiclife7204 P

[@spudwesth]

Too many lies. Read books.

[@nickinurse6433]

These docs have been so valuable in homeschooling my grandkids during covid. Thank you

[@SundiataWTF]

I've been studying (as an amateur) this history of the Sudanic empires for years, and this is by far them most lucid, yet informative telling of the story I've heard OR read. Fantastic! You have a new subscriber.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Craig, very kind of you!

[@JoStylin]

@The Truth about Africa hurts Timbuktu was a small village before Mansa Musa built it up. Tuaregs did not develop anything. Still to this day, Northern Mali (where Tuaregs live) is a dustball. No offense but Berbers were mostly nomadic and did not settle anywhere to even try and develop. Much of North Africa was developed by Greeks and Romans not Berbers.

[@blenshanegro3260]

@Nomad Diaries the original berbers were not "Black". That area historically tens of thousands of years ago when the Sahara was green was inhabited by people descended from Central Europe the Levant and Subsaharan Africa. As the Sahara dried up most of these groups left but the most apparent ancestor for most Berbers are Iberomaurusians which we very much wouldnt refer to as "black". There are still remnants of the East African Haplogroup E in Berbers tho mostly from female gene flow which for further South Tuaregs can be high as 82% while for the further north Riffians on average around 3%. The Arabs Greeks and Romans diluting Berber DNA is for the most part a myth. I've seen little proof that these groups brought with them many settlers or people willing to mix with the entire population except maybe Arab traders who also did not mix with the entire population. My point here is that their DNA and history suggests most berbers( not all its a diverse group) were never black but rather Olive skinned individuals descended from North African Iberomaurusians.

[@afriquesupreme]

I have written 23 books on African history and I can tell you that most of the accounts in this video are either racists or false. You should not rely on a european to tell you about your history because he will do so from an european centric world view. You should rely on african writers who live and breathe the african culture to tell you about your history. I hope you understand that. Should you want to know your true history, type my name in the KZbin search engine. There you will also learn to read hieroglyphs.

[@michaelclayton7945]

Could you do a video about Ancient Nubia? It has a long rich history and its criminally underrated and has been overlooked.

[@MackerelCat]

Yes that would be cool

[@jeremywendelin]

Third that!

[@nword1380]

Fourth

[@reggiewebster1]

Fifth

[@TermiNation_45669.]

Sixth

[@Ew4ya]

Just Imagining the battle between the Moroccans and the Songhai through the amazing narrating sends chills throughout my entire body. Great documentary and story telling

[@uniformityofnature1488]

The army they fought actually consisted of Portuguese and Spanish. They commander of the armed forces was described as a blonde convert. Conquest of Songhai was all part of Reconquista.

[@Imagio-jw6js]

One of the most profound and compassionate presentations on the history of West Africa I have ever seen. Thank you once more, Paul Cooper, for your excellent care in this series. I dearly hope you will return , here in the year 2020, some time with new stories of humanities attempts at being and surviving as cultures.

[@keenannorris3309]

So eloquently stated.

[@spudwesth]

Many lies. Is he a Muslin.

[@wyihupoip8105]

As a distant relative of Musa the 9th Mansa of the Mali empire, I must say, incredible work by Paul. Thank you for bringing my people's great, long lost civilization back to the attention of the world.

[@davidvasey5065]

Do you wish to regain your empire one day

[@somilpandey5646]

Any knowhow about some gold stashed in Africa 🤑🤑

[@Knape-vz5ml]

Yes but the green is comming back,the planet is greening agian and if we don't stop this we may in the future see the desert start to go away.

[@Mountain_Lake_Adventures]

Why did he leave his people so poor?

[@wyihupoip8105]

@myshepspud1 Back then, everyone was poor in every part of the world. Tell me which civilization had wealthy populations anywhere in the world in the 12th century?

[@trunks10k]

I'm learning more about history via entertainment than I ever did growing up watching Discovery or History Channel docs from this one KZbin channel alone.

[@fastinradfordable]

You expect the Disney channel to educate you?!?!?!?

[@Souledex]

More than most undergrad history classes

[@paullewis2413]

History Channel is for people with short attention span and a juvenile mind set. 😄

[@davidmayendengdit5890]

A great documentary about Africa's history; a history which had been denied until recent years. I can't wait for your narratives about the other kingdoms and city states- Great Zimbabwe, Hausa Fulani, Kush, Aksum, City States of the East African coast, etc. which predated colonialism by hundreds of years. It's only when we recognized Africa's contribution to human history that we might start respecting our human species. You are the best historian I have ever listened to!

[@rebecasilva8991]

I totally agree with the gentleman. I have seen many of your documentaries and you never cease to amaze me. You are a great historian!

[@deadricrevolver9]

dont break your arm

[@kjullthedemon]

Who denies great African empires like Songhai, Mali or Ethiopia? No one. It's the stealing of non-black culture people dislike, like Egypt or North Africa, which has more in common with southern Europe and Arabia than Africa.

@Bro9650 Who denies the existence of Wakanda?

[@huntergreene9781]

@@kjullthedemon native Egyptians are black, the Pharos where black. Those white “Egyptians” migrated into Africa from the Middle East.

[@DominikFriedrich]

It´s incredible how little I learned about african empires and history in school.

[@kubakondraciuk5180]

Schools are not the greatest place to learn history in general : D

[@chriswicker6672]

Why would you? They were insular, short lived, and overall unremarkable

[@cavaugnsharkey2699]

@@chriswicker6672 That's an opinion, not a fact. Does 800 years of existence sound short-lived to you? Do you even know what empire that I'm referring to? I doubt so. The Roman Republic lasted half of that timespan, so do you carry that same sentiment towards it and plenty of other examples? Try harder, and maybe you'll get a like and attention you always desired.

[@chriswicker6672]

@@cavaugnsharkey2699 Songhai existed as a notable entity from 1410 until 1590. Not EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS, more like a solid 80 years plus. Short lived. Insular? You didn't contend it, it's true. No one bothered conquering the remnants of Gao until the French did. It also peaked at 310,000 sq miles and rapidly lost territory. The Romans peaked at two million square miles and bred a language into, in the present day, half the world's population. Comparing the two is laughable. It is the same thing one history channel did in profiling Zimbabwe: "this BEAUTIFUL gold sceptre" which looks like a three year old made it out of clay. That empire also lasted about 50 years and was more or less an offshoot of the Portuguese system.

[@offspring9463]

@@chriswicker6672 go away , nobody wants your opinion get a lie

[@SxVaNm345]

Laying in bed in Australia, watching your encapsulating-narrative documentary with intriguing images really makes this dead African empire come back to life with a new added meaning. Thanks for helping to preserve human history.

[@tymbaone1]

As a scholar of Art History and Geology and Climatology I have been taught to have a healthy skepticism of Western and European views of history. When you talk about the histories and chronicles of the Songhai Empire and the selective memory and recounting bias, it made me laugh. Some things never change. However this much seems true, you have much of this skepticism as well, and never have i seen the completeness of coupling geology and climatology, religion and culture into such a clear history. You leave us with room for discovering more, because you tell us exactly where the gaps in information are. You point out the flaws and biases likely to color the available history. As a result, your history is respectful, measured, and modest while at the same time rich and enlightening. Truly a pleasure to devour. I was equally awed by your history of the Sumerian Civilization. I can't wait to learn more.

[@mcgurupro]

Go pay your tribute then... instead of only criticizing what you yourself cannot do. Pitty.

[@quetzalcoatlz]

@@mcgurupro I'm not sure how you were able to construe this babble from what the comment above stated. His comment was very complementary in such a fluent and honorable way.

[@mytradingjournal123]

@@quetzalcoatlzI think he only read the first half of the comment and started to reply without reading them all😂

[@Dugpasttenseofdig]

Yes this person clearly isn’t a deep thinker (or reader.)

[@michaeladewunmi5859]

Thank you for this . This is the first time I have seen anything as detailed as this on Mansa Musa and Askia the Great. This history is taught in African schools today, as i was partly educated in Nigeria I know this , but it is the first time I have seen a documentary as detailed and as accurate as this on that historical period. Nice work

[@William_sJazzLoft]

This was a remarkable presentation. I was fortunate enough to have attended high school in West Africa (Liberia). So this was a wonderful refresher.

[@giraffevideoproduction8045]

Excellent. In all my years of college and even grad school, I never learned much about the history of the African continent. Thank you.

[@ainsleylinton7925]

I’m just

[@burnsloads]

How's that 80k of student debt treating you?

[@mscir]

These are the best history lessons I've had in my entire (long) life. He does better research then Jared Diamond.

[@filthychav776]

maybe you should have chosen to study something other than chemistry.

[@giraffevideoproduction8045]

@Skunk Ape True. And my specialty is Chile from about the 1960s. Thing is, in my master's in ethnomusicology, Africa seemed to be the priority of most professors. And at least half the students were well-educated about African culture. I was one of the minorities studying Latino music - La Nueva Cancion Chilena and Andean music.

[@venumadhavaraokatroju4319]

Profound understanding of African history... this opened my eyes to the truth of the African civilization was not limited to Egypt alone... but many in interior too

[@henrylewis6004]

❤ Thank you Truth African history.

[@ericmuchuku3760]

Thank you for educating me about the history of my AFRICA that I have never known about all my life, I have been replaying this KZbin episodes over and over, you are a LEGEND!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Eric, glad you enjoyed!

[@kevineboso5671]

They can't let you know how your ancestors were smart and inovative, they stole the best in Africa

[@valtor4022]

@@kevineboso5671 maybe ‘they’ didn’t know either!

[@Bunfire123]

As a African history enthusiast, I want to say thank you. Beautifully done.

[@wsbolton6]

Awesome podcast. I had the book, Journey of the Songhai People, but have yet to read it. This podcast will make me dig this book up and read it. Great review of the Songhhai.

[@carolelgie7721]

I am not West African but was so glad to see African history shown in a positive light.

[@amberwilliams3558]

I agree! 1000% With so many lies told about Africa, especially the lie about sub-Saharan Africa not having any real civilizations. This video is a breath of fresh air.

[@carolelgie7721]

Amber Williams In my history classes, the only African civilization we talked about was Egyptian.

[@hse6144]

Do you think Africa teaches about every Native American tribe?

[@offspring9463]

@@hse6144 what?

[@daraharvey4519]

Thank you so much for doing this. I have loved history since I was 10 and have a bachelor's degree in history. But I know virtually nothing about history in Africa, especially outside Egypt and South Africa. I think that's why it's so easy to forget, Africa is a continent, not a country. It gets overlooked in academic discussions, for no reason that I can see. I learned so much from this episode and will be watching it again in the near future. Please do more if you can. The world needs to know more of Africa's story.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Dara, glad you think so!

[@cosmopessoa1556]

It gets overlooked in academic discussions, for no reason that I can see. Realy!! Who wrote you history books look there.

[@rafaeltorre1643]

The reason is obvious. I have a degree in education, social studies. White people write about their history, from their perspective. People aren't keen on writing about civilizations that were bigger or better then theres or want to give credit that Africans (black) are just like us and not "barbaric" or "primitive". Even in Egypt Hollywood casts white people asg Egyptians! Lol. We are just finding out Native Americans had huge empires of millions of people, and people accepting the obvious evidence/science instead of trying to hide this history.

[@Usthereout]

@@marktyler3381 What he said is pretty accurate, but also because much research hasn't been done in Africa

[@roan2288]

@@rafaeltorre1643 I'm gonna assume either American or ignorant because reffering to 'whites' and 'blacks' as a collective group really shows you know diddly squat about history and are no better than the colonizers who drew borders without care for ethicities and culture because 'they're all black'.

[@nasirben4112]

I’m so proud to be Malian and African . This presenter is 💯 great and the quality is just waouhhhh 👑 !

[@joemcfatter1170]

This is a gem! So many history documentaries are sketchy and told as if the viewer is a tourist, whereas this one is incredibly scholarly and visually narrative. I was fully engrossed by this work, and wish to extend my appreciation for the effort to provide such rich content.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Joe, I really appreciate it!

[@pidginenglish4489]

I only discovered your channel three days ago, and subbed immediately due to the quality of your content. Watching this documentary now and really impressed with the research and presentation. I'm a Ghanaian with an MA in history, and I've often lamented the lack of visual representation of our history, a necessary complement to the literature. This docu-series as a whole is an invaluable asset to filling this vital but blank space in most classrooms in Ghana.

[@jim-stacy]

Not just Ghana but the rest of the world. I've been blown away by the tragedy that Africa could of had its own late medieval renaissance had not the library of Timbuktu been desecrated multiple times.

[@guywelsh9589]

If there isn't enough representation of your history then maybe you should make some. There is nobody better to talk about your history than you.

[@pidginenglish4489]

@@guywelsh9589 Noted.

[@jordanbell4736]

Or correspond with the maker of this video to share your learnings. He may well be eager to correspond about future scripts with interested knowledgeable people.

[@shadownoobnoobslayer5424]

my favorite channel on youtube at the moment ever documentary posted is pure gold worth of every second !

[@hectorcasado4898]

Excellent. It leaves me speechless and in deep thought, I just never knew. I doubt many would me interested let alone care to listen. Africa has such a remarkable past and present. I’m shamed at how little I know.

[@majestichotwings6974]

I’d argue all places with human civilizations are like that. As westerners it makes sense that the history of the western civilizations are most explored by our people, but I agree, there is so much to learn about our species from isolated civilizations of the far reaches of the Earth. I took particular interest in the episode on Easter Island. Utterly fascinating to learn about civilizations that aren’t properly explored by a western centric world.

[@whitneyshiphrah56]

Its not too late to learn

[@1000wastedwords]

Part of why you don't know is a lack of quality information like this.

[@charlestaylor5871]

Two hours well spent. Bravo 👏. I've learned so much in this documentary, quite honestly it puts other documentaries to shame. Especially when it comes to African history. A documentary on Ancient Kush, is very much needed. From it's megalithic structures in the nubian desert that predates Stonehenge, From it's A-Group culture that was contemporary with predynastic Naqadan culture. From Kush conquering egypt and starting the 25 dynasty of egypt. To being kick out of egypt by the Assyrians, driven back to kush and ruling in nubia for another thousand years. When Meroe/Kush was finally delt it's end by another african Empire on the rise known as Axum. By that time it had already existed thousands of years, a Meroitic script still indecipherable and has even more pyramids than that of egypt. This kingdom remains in Egypt's shadow but it strongly deserves its own branch to stand on.

[@michaelclayton7945]

I totally agree, Nubia is so criminally underrated.

[@aliallison5541]

But how big are the pyramids ?

[@DanPackard-be2ne]

This is such a fine piece of work. l read a lot of history in books; l think this is an essential human responsibility. A movie like this puts blood in those arteries l am trying to pry open from books. Thank you to the makers of this.

[@richdiana3663]

This entire series is excellent. Recommend it to any and all.

[@bobbiebrandel3152]

You've made a difference in how I view the world. More importantly, you have made a huge difference for the people who came from this part of the world.......just to know their history is enriching.

[@pocobuen]

if they'd taught history like this at my school, I might have taken it a little more seriously - excellent production

[@KmaC2464]

100%

[@MCChristisKing02]

It’s because the people who are in charge of teaching us don’t even know their history REAL HISTORY...

[@Ith4qua]

@Ghost_Troupe Because those who do not know the past are doomed to repeat it.

[@georgenavarro5166]

History in schools have no passion like videos from history ch. Or some KZbinrs..

[@carlpen850]

During this documentary I extremely impressed with many of the fantastic pieces of artwork that were used... great job all around, a truly learning experience

[@sibusisiwemlala3778]

This is THE best presentation on the history of West Africa i have ever seen. I had come across books on the Songhai and other West African empires in our local library, but none with such well-researched and objective material. Incredible stuff!

[@Really_Velvet]

Thank you so much for this super informative and well paced documentary. I love learning more about Mali because it contains a large part of my ethnic background.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@msquared6695]

Fall of civilisation videos are the only thing on KZbin that can command my attention for such a length of time

[@ten-ub4xd]

within 10 mins of listening to this - it became clear this will be one of my favourite channels

[@carlytoto7604]

Chels juga hamil saya tau dari kemarin

[@benvflores]

Carly Toto ppppppppppppppppppppppp

[@dylanamos1047]

Great documentary. So often the story of Africa is told through the eyes of current news stories. A breath of fresh air to see a such a comprehensive story of an African region empire. The take away, as stated, history always will try to repeat itself. Those in power now need to learn from this. BUT THEY NEVER DO!!

[@dnmurphy48]

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes"

[@mikesistrunk6545]

@@dnmurphy48 history always repeats itself

[@jahramika]

Actions speak louder than words. Current state of things are from the actions of the past

[@omzy8700]

@@jahramika then why the Roman ,greek and Egypt are still talked even if they fall long ago ? If you look at present Italy ,greek and Egypt they are not longer the powerhouse ,in fact Italy and greek are in crisis while Egypt is a third world country .

[@CLAYMEISTER]

It was fascinating to listen... a big hole in my knowledge of African history was filled... never heard this in high school or college. Thank you.

[@futureworld2936]

Thank you so much, it's how history should be taught - your documentaries are exciting, mysterious and captivating! You're doing an excellent job, it's wonderful that such people exist. People should know more about the truth, what really was in the past.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, glad you like it!

[@joelkavanagh1464]

can only add my voice of praise and encouragement to fw's eloquent statements ... nuff said fo nau ...

[@jameshalpin8152]

Fall of Civilizations : this is the most accurate description yet.

[@SubvertTheState]

You're the only content creator who promises to lengthen your content with continued support. I love it.

[@zigazagaaddiction]

I love the most the documentaries on these channel that are 2h+

[@galientl4723]

Would you consider doing a video on the Ashanti Empire? Such an underrated civilization that never gets talked about.

[@Anglo_Browza]

Also Ja Rule Empire

[@AB-kg6rk]

or the Abbesinians and Kush?

[@ManPursueExcellence]

@@Anglo_Browza 😂

[@darrenquiah9813]

@@Anglo_Browza😂😂😂😂

[@moustm4698]

@@Anglo_Browzawhat’s the joke

[@bartcolen]

The only thing better than this documentary are the thoughtful and appreciative comments from everyone here. Well done!

[@beckydorius251]

So true! Thank you!

[@johnjaeger3746]

Yeah, plebs don't frequent these channels. Too busy watching garbage rather than learning

[@ernestalanki-official708]

Indeed 2020 is the year when it all started to unravel. I never believed I will live to see the day when great minds like yours would come into the scene and start to narrate the story of Africa the way it was. This is our collective humanity told with so much candor, beauty and humility. Thanks for an amazing and intensely satisfying experience

[@joyceffc62]

Can’t recommend this podcast highly enough. What wonderful stories.

[@matlocktransportation-darl1825]

This is the first of your documentaries that I've watched. It is the best documentary I've ever seen. It is so jam-packed with information. I'm looking forward to watching your other episodes. I've already told my son about the series, just yesterday we were talking about this topic. Thank you for all the work you've done.

[@GladysAlicea]

Another great one is that of the Assyrian Empire; they've only a few docs but they're all great. Wish they'd do more.

[@AdamTait-hy2qh]

Just in time for bed in Australia. I can't believe you do this just for us! Legend ;) Top. Quality. Content.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Haha sorry.

[@AdamTait-hy2qh]

@@FallofCivilizations No it is awesome. I listen to them to go to sleep; I usually get at least an hour or more in before I finally drift off. Then the next night I skip through to around the time before I went to sleep, and do it all again ;)

[@Tjousk]

Indeed, I fell asleep to this one last night. Time to finish it now (:

[@FallofCivilizations]

@Barbara Mulvaney it has been rereleased, now with a video

[@josephdow1635]

@@FallofCivilizations bvvvvvvd

[@garthmorgan4471]

Thanks

[@rachelmurray1228]

So many kings,so much golden rings,so many wars,until the gun roars.splendid series!

[@TehKoolaidkid]

I'm not even a history geek but these documentaries are addicting

[@fastinradfordable]

You are now. ;p

[@theplussizerelovution4849]

rut

[@VapidVulpes]

Duuuude agreed!!!!

[@MTS7140]

I don't think being enthusiastic about human history or liking to hear about it makes you a geek

[@lukehurleymusic]

We live twice when we relish our history

[@Moepowerplant]

I find it remarkable that this series has a truly global scope, with representation of practically every race/culture on earth.

[@thelegofam4310]

This is remarkable. So many civilizations discussed lacking this important part of the world. Great documentary!

[@kedo009]

As an Arab this is very new info to me , never was mentioned in our history school books. I never Knew we documented most of the west-African history. Very interesting Ep. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@QualityPen]

Arabs and Muslims in general were very well traveled during the Middle Ages, especially throughout Africa and India. For instance when Vasco da Gamma sailed around Africa to India, he quickly found himself at war with the local Muslim populations. Since Middle Eastern civilizations invented written language thousands of years ago, Arabs who traveled abroad frequently found themselves as the only or one of very few literate people in the lands they passed through.

[@itumo2645]

The documents were in Arabic but most of the authors were African - particularly Soninke, Songhai or Berber.

[@wordsbymaribeja1470]

Arabs didn't.

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

I say this without prejudice : religious zealot of all creed have messed up our beautiful human history... Knowledge We take for granted has been lost to some, the last 2000 years have not been kind to our collective memories...we are a species with amnesia

[@joshuajackson4742]

Given that the Arab world was buying slaves off them (and still do), I don’t know why you’re shocked.

[@rowdysgirlalways]

Wow! This is something I've been wanting to know for many years. I have been saying for decades that there were sophisticated civilizations in Africa. I knew this because *humans*. Building civilizations is what we do. I also believe that there are older civilizations in Africa, but they were not built of stone, but mud, reed, wood and other less lasting materials. Look at what is being discovered in the Amazon with LIDAR! My brain feels a bit stretched with what you've taught me. And I really appreciate that you put this history in context with the rest of the world. And it would be very cool if the first explorer from the east to reach the Americas was an African king. You guys have created a very engrossing narrative here and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@kHoPhAe]

For the few years I spent in Ghana and went to school there, we learned about the various empires in West Africa in their full glory

[@speeddope7834]

Ppp

[@carlomagno1196]

This is a great recounting of the rich history of African civilizations. It's an eye-opener to the less known fact that there is more to this magnificent continent than just the hackneyed Egyptian pyramids.

[@chucknorris277]

What happened?

[@elenivargis126]

I so much love learning something new! I've had a brief, periphery, knowledge of the Kingdom of Mali & West Africa, but not to this detail! Thank you for teaching me so much!! Cheers!

[@faratina100]

You. Are. Amazing!!! Thank you for your incredible work. This is one of the most fascinating and well produced historical podcasts or history programs I've ever run across. I am amazed by your talent and in depth exploration. Well done!!

[@billkarmetsky4003]

I think this is an important endeavor, exquisitely written, narrated. The visuals may be stock footage but they communicate succinctly.

[@erectnoodle625]

use normal words pls

[@billkarmetsky4003]

@@erectnoodle625 I use normal words. Each is readily found in most common dictionaries. Variations of words in English specifically are the spice of life, increase intelligence and open the imagination as in poetry. One is as alive as he/she can communicate. A wide vocabulary demonstrates intelligence as we are creatures capable of high communication. It is tragic you come at me for your own self-imposed incapabilies and deficiencies when it comes to those who understand the breadth and license afforded to us through study and use of the most expressive and versatile of all the languages, English. Hope you pass the third grade next year. Nothin' but love fer ya, Gomer.

[@koltoncrane3099]

He did use normal words. Sadly most English users don’t try to expand their vocabulary and end up using slang or new words like flex or selfie.

[@fenty2331]

kolton crane There is nothing wrong with using slang and colloquial language just don't attack someone for using more sophisticated language.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

yep

[@douglaskingsman2565]

Again, wondrous, and educational in the best sense. Yet still high tragedy devastates - the tragedy of the human spectacle of the rise & fall of empires. Our narrator has such a hypnotic voice, wonderfully understated.

[@margiereynolds3411]

I so admire the time, dedication and intellect its taken to comprise such a detailed history. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@cheikhtidianendiaye4286]

Best historical video I've ever seen on youtube, even for a french speaking like me this voice is so easy to listen to.....Awsome piece of work! Maybe you should have spoken of the legend that says that the founder of the songhai empire were two young boys, noble hostages at the court of Mali who escaped. Anyway that's the first time I see a video worth two hours of viewing!

[@afriquesupreme]

I have written 23 books on African history and I can tell you that most of the accounts in this video are either racists or false. You should not rely on a european to tell you about your history because he will do so from an european centric world view. You should rely on african writers who live and breathe the african culture to tell you about your history. I hope you understand that. Should you want to know your true history, type my name in the KZbin search engine. There you will also learn to read hieroglyphs.

[@Darkdaej]

"In this episode, I want to look at a society that has been all but forgotten by popular narratives of History" This is exactly why I clicked on this video. I saw your video on the Sumerians a few weeks ago and I saw this one and thought "The Songhai?". I like to say I know a bit of History, but I've never heard of them before...and my curiosity was piqued.

[@lucasjames7524]

THIS CHANNEL DESERVES A MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!!! TOP QUALITY!!! :-D

[@aaron6178]

Wonderful work! I haven't touched on African history since undergrad. It's super important and needs much more attention by scholars. I'm a PhD myself I know the enormous amount of work that goes into researching this kind of stuff. Well done. You deserve a million subs. Cheers.

[@smashtoad]

You and Dan Carlin are the Jordan and Pippen of modem history documentarians. You both have the voice, the content, but your visuals put your stuff over the top. Bravo. The History Channel is just that.............history.

[@emersondasilva6634]

History channel is about liars, fake situations and fake people. Long time ago it was about history, but no more.

[@tonymalony4382]

Robert Sepehr.

[@kellyrhets2251]

Modem??

[@PitboyHarmony1]

This really is an incredible project. This is the only ancient history doc type channel I subscribe to. I know the video production versions of the audio podcasts take an enormous amount of time, effort and work, but do not lose hope or enthusiasm. I even know a few history professors who are following.

[@sjoormen1]

And quality is on the another level. I never knew much of this empire, because never iterested me to much, but narration, content, really makes it easy to watch. Even if it is not too interesting, presentation makes you to seat down and watch. Extraordinary.

[@korawega6293]

Given the incredible amount of research you have done and the amazing way this has been put together i would like to see you tackle the history of Great Zimbabwe

[@gedlennox9389]

The quality of this production, together with its depth and intelligence, illustrates a part of history that still resonates in today's world. It shows how the wealth and power of many nations is built with the life-blood of West Africa, taking advantage of the breakdown of a mighty empire. You bring history to life and reveal its unpredictable presence in a world that would wish to disregard its message. Thank you for this telling, I am a sadder and a wiser man for watching it.

[@gedlennox9389]

@Barbara Mulvaney Barbara, thank you, you are very kind - but not too sad I hope. The programme affected me deeply and I felt the need to express my gratitude and the feeling of enlightenment I had from it. This is the history we need in order to give perspective to the fragility of our own lives and how much we owe to people we can never meet. Ged.

[@veritas-revelare-omnis5217]

History channel, PBS, BBC dont have anything on you! Very well made, coherent & understandably shown. You get A+ from me. Look forward to more content.

[@palmpat1147]

This podcast got me through COVID lockdowns. Now I listen whenever I want to close my eyes and be taken to a faraway land. These stories have enriched my understanding of the world and our place in it. I liken this to way back when we gathered by the fire and told stories within our tribes. Thank you for bringing magic to my life Paul.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Pat, really glad you think so.

[@blairwoolverton397]

I don't like being interrupted when I am immersed in your films. And WHAT a beautiful rich mellow voice you have.... mesmerizing.

[@dromeiro]

Truth Seekerz - I think you can delete them.

[@ZionCrafter]

The Aksumite Empire - an African Empire that would really appreciate your incredible story telling skills. Coined currency, lasted over 900 years, built monolithic monuments (one that is the tallest of its kind till this day). I’m just sitting and waiting for you to please speak on Ethiopia. 😊. Most UNESCO world heritage sites in Africa are found in Ethiopia so I trust its only a matter of time lol. You’re work is fantastic brother. Keep them coming. 🙏🏾✊🏾

[@dellingson4833]

I seen via Graham Hancock the incredible church's dug out down into the bed rock back in a very ancient Ethiopia.

[@ZionCrafter]

d ellingson yeah I’ve travelled to see them and they are truly incredible. Well worth a trip 😊

[@majestichotwings6974]

There is so many civilizations I can’t wait to see, there certainly isn’t a shortage of potential content for this channel.

[@Nx2.1]

Ethiopia. Mind shattering some times. How beautiful.

[@freckleheckler6311]

Pavlov's Blurple Cat `i`5c haha Ethiopian history and structures were the work of Caucasoids 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️ not black people. Are you not familiar with the substantial admixtures of eurasians in east Africa?

[@mechellespillekom5891]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant production! I choose to watch your podcasts over and above anything mainstream TV offers. Thank you for the care and the dedication you demonstrate to public education.

[@HannibalAfricanus]

I remember when NatGeo, History Channel, & BBC used to make stuff this good. Great regards good sir.

[@DennisFrancispublishing]

RIP History Channel.

[@TheAgTeam]

BBC now just a political propaganda arm of the state. Sorry fall from grace for once such a proud institution people increasingly hate as being just another tax

[@barpoes]

Dennis Francis Pl

[@newlifenowife3522]

yeah,, they invented this bull too....

[@lordgodmajanomikoto7169]

What y'all ain't bout that ancient alien life, what so it's just me and Alex Jones

[@trevorsutherland5263]

I'm speechless. This is basically a 2 hour expansion into the "Pure Ignorance" region of my mind. It will take me months or even years to absorb it fully. Though some of it turned my stomach, I appreciate you not hiding the bad (and adding context). The story of Sunni Ali reminded me of an absolutely horrific tale about the "Peg Boys of India" during the 17th and 18th century. It roiled my stomach to the core but we can't hide from Truth no matter how repulsive. Your work on these episodes is magnificent.

[@stevyd]

Fall of Civilizations is a great channel. Full of wonder of the great heights man has achieved and sadness for the great depths that have so often followed. The continual yin and yang of our human existence shows how fragile a balance between the two has been and how much we need to work to maintain it.

[@Denebreus]

I cannot express in simpler terms just how great these videos are. You have done a superb job. Well done!

[@erisu69]

Another important and little known story told with respect and an incredible level of quality. There are so many positive comments here and I hope that it makes the effort that goes into these projects worth it. I think I speak for everyone here when I thank you for this excellent series.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@blueduck9409]

The loss of the great library is tragic indeed.

[@TefenCa]

This has by far been the most interesting thing I've listened to while sleeping! It created such interesting dreams, much of which I was listening to a podcast and talking with others over mic chat about it and was actually able to hear the audio from this in my dream which was incredibly fascinating. Other parts of the dream I was in the Sahara desert.