David Phillipson highlights the contribution that archaeology can make to the understanding of the African continent and its people. He defends the vital role of the museum as custodian of a significant part of our international cultural heritage and essential resource for the furthering of international scholarship.

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.