Includes bibliographical references (pages 246-249) and index.
Contents:
Introduction. The Cradle-Magaliesbeg -- The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve -- The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Part 1. Life and landscape. 1. The birth of the planet - 2. The first landmass and early life - 3. Evolution and extinction - 4. Africa. Part 2. Human evolution. 5. The human evolutionary line - 6. The Cradle hominins - 7. The human genus. Part 3. Archeology and history. 8. The first people - 9. The nineteenth century - 10. Boers and British - 11. Science and engineering. Conclusion. The Anthropocene.
Summary:
"The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is the jewel in South Africa's evolutionary crown: an area 'of outstanding universal value', it has attracted world-wide interest and furnished key evidence about where, when and how we came to be. The greater Magaliesberg area is peppered with some 200 caves and has a unique geology, history and biodiversity. For decades now, specialists have been combing the area to uncover evidence of our heritage. In his spectacular new title, Vincent Carruthers guides readers along a timeline, from the birth of our planet through to developments of the twenty first century. Along the way he documents the formation of our landscapes and the emergence of life, the rise of hominins, the stone and iron ages, early settlement, migrations, wars and modern developments in the Magaliesberg - the entire evolution of life up to the present, as we know it. Vividly illustrated with photographs, maps and diagrams, Cradle of Life portrays the intrigue and importance of the site, taking readers on a magical journey of discovery"--Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.