Forgotten Cities by Everett Sinclair

Forgotten Cities unveils the overlooked urban centers of Africa, challenging conventional world history by exploring their sophisticated architecture and complex economic systems. These cities, such as Great Zimbabwe and the Swahili city-states, played pivotal roles in regional and global trade networks, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of their societies. The book argues that their decline wasn't due to single events but a confluence of environmental factors, political instability, and resource depletion, highlighting the importance of historical preservation and environmental sustainability.

The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from archaeology, historical texts, and climate science to reconstruct these urban narratives. It examines trade routes, agricultural practices, and political landscapes to illustrate the multifaceted reasons behind urban decline. By presenting detailed case studies, Forgotten Cities identifies common patterns and unique circumstances that shaped the trajectory of these urban centers, offering valuable lessons for contemporary urban development and a more inclusive understanding of the past.

The book progresses by first introducing the concept of "forgotten cities" and then presenting detailed case studies, culminating in a synthesis of findings that explore the broader implications for urban development and historical change. This journey offers readers a fresh perspective on African history, emphasizing the need to understand these lost metropolises for a more complete view of urbanism's evolution.