In this groundbreaking six-part documentary series, distinguished scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. surveys Africa’s 200,000 years of history, exploring how the continent and its inhabitants shaped not only their own rich civilisations, but also the wider world.

Travelling the length and breadth of Africa to chronicle the continent’s history from an African perspective, Professor Gates’ journey takes him from the city of great Zimbabwe to the pyramids of Meroe and the spectacular rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia.

Full of surprises and unexpected connections Africa’s Great Civilisations (PBS from 15 April at 7.30pm) helps viewers to appreciate the collective and individual genius of a people who, through the centuries, have made such an enormous contribution to human history.