When the Sahara Was Green: Exploring the Hidden Past of a Lost World

When the Sahara Was Green: How Our Greatest Desert Came to Be

by Martin Williams

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46408 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

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The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, stretches across much of Northern Africa, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometers. Today, it is a vast expanse of sand, dunes, and rocky plateaus, but it was not always this way. Millions of years ago, the Sahara was a lush, green land, home to a variety of plants and animals, including humans.

In his book, "When the Sahara Was Green," Nick Brandt explores the transformative history of the Sahara. He draws on the latest archaeological and scientific research to reveal the secrets of this lost world, providing a fascinating account of its changing climate, flora, and fauna.

The Green Sahara

The Sahara was not always a desert. Around 10,000 years ago, the climate in North Africa was much wetter than it is today. The Sahara was a vast savanna, covered in grasslands, forests, and lakes. It was home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions. Humans also lived in the Sahara during this time, and they left behind a rich archaeological record that provides a glimpse into their lives.

The Green Sahara was a period of great prosperity for humans. The climate was favorable for agriculture, and the Sahara was home to some of the earliest civilizations in Africa. The people of the Sahara developed complex social and political systems, and they traded with other regions of the world.

The Desertification of the Sahara

Around 5,000 years ago, the climate in North Africa began to change. The Sahara became drier and hotter, and the grasslands and forests began to disappear. The animals that had once lived in the Sahara migrated to other regions, and the human population declined.

The desertification of the Sahara was a gradual process that took place over many centuries. It was caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the Earth's orbit, shifts in wind patterns, and the rise of the Sahara's mountain ranges. These factors led to a decrease in rainfall and an increase in evaporation, which caused the Sahara to become the desert that it is today.

The Legacy of the Green Sahara

The Sahara Desert is a harsh and unforgiving environment, but it is also a land of great beauty and mystery. The Green Sahara was a time of great prosperity for humans, and it left behind a rich legacy that can still be seen today.

The archaeological sites of the Green Sahara provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there. These sites include settlements, tombs, and rock art, and they tell the story of a complex and sophisticated society. The Green Sahara was also a time of great artistic achievement, and the rock art of the Sahara is some of the most beautiful and evocative in the world.

"When the Sahara Was Green" is a fascinating exploration of the transformative history of the Sahara Desert. Nick Brandt's book provides a unique insight into this lost world, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Africa, climate change, or human origins.

The Sahara Desert is a reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human civilization. The Green Sahara was a time of great prosperity, but it was also a time of change. The climate of the Sahara is constantly changing, and it is possible that the Sahara will become green again in the future. If it does, it will be a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

When the Sahara Was Green: How Our Greatest Desert Came to Be

by Martin Williams

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46408 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

FREE