Early Islamic Civilizations and African Kingdoms is divided into two parts (corresponding to Unit 4 and Unit 5 for schools using the CKHG series in Sequence grade-level order). The first past explores the origins of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula, with information on the Koran and the Five Pillars of Islam. Students learn about the achievements of Muslim scholars and artists, and about the growth of Muslim empires and the series of wars during the Middle Ages known as the Crusades. The second part of this book provides an overview of the varied geography of Africa, including tropical rainforests, savanna (grasslands), and deserts. Students learn about the early African kingdoms of Kush and Aksum, and about the medieval trading kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Students also explore the city of Timbuktu as a center of trade and learning, and are introduced to African works of art.