Includes bibliographical references (pages 502-536) and index.

"Were the ancient Egyptians black? Some experts say yes. If so, then Western civilization may owe its existence to black Africans." "In Black Spark, White Fire, award-winning journalist Richard Poe explores new and controversial evidence from linguistics, archaeology, and anthropology, suggesting that Egyptian explorers may have landed in Greece 3 to 4,000 years ago, reared cities and pyramids, established cults, and founded royal dynasties. In the process, the spark they lit may have kindled the fire of Western Civilization." "Black Spark, White Fire follows a slender trail of clues that leads from the highlands of Ethiopia to the barrows of the Russian steppes. It pieces together the forgotten story of an Age of Exploration that ended nearly 3,000 years before Columbus - a time when Egypt ruled the waves, Africa was the seat of learning and power, and Europe a savage frontier."--Jacket.