Volume II deals with that long period of Africa’s history that covers some nine thousands years, extending from the end of the Neolithic era, that is, from around the eighth millennium before our era, to the beginning of the seventh century of our era. The different chapters deal with the civilizations of the major geographical zones, following the pattern of African historical research, namely: the corridor of the Nile, Egypt and Nubia; the Ethiopian highlands; the part of Africa later called the Maghrib and its Saharan hinterland; and, the rest of Africa as well as some of the islands in the Indian Ocean. By far the largest proportion of Volume II is devoted to the ancient civilization of Egypt because of its pre-eminent place in the early history of Africa.