Chapter II, Zimbabwe Summary

Prince Henry of Portugal spends his entire life in the pursuit of successful sailing around the cape of Africa to find the city in the bible referred to as Ophir, the city of gold. He also believes that until Christianity is brought to Africa, it can only be considered as uncivilized. He has no idea that the natives have long established successful trade routes with the Arabians. In fact, the city of Zimbabwe is not only well civilized, they have enslaved San natives in outlying areas to mine for gold and trade it and other valuable commodities such as aphrodisiac, rhinoceros horn, and ivory tusks to the Arabians who then complete the circle by bringing goods for trade from India and China like silk, salt and beads.

Nxumalo, the third son of Chief Ngalo, becomes one of the most...