In 1958, an Italian archaeologist discovered the mummified remains of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy in a cave in southwestern Libya. But this was a mummy with a difference: it was far older than any comparable examples found in Egypt.

The discovery raised some profound questions. Who were the ancient inhabitants of the Sahara Desert who put the mummy there? And what influence might those people have had on the glittering civilization that later emerged in the land of the pharaohs?

This fascinating film follows Italian professor Savino di Lernia and his colleagues on a trek through the Sahara in the search for answers – a journey that leads to some astounding conclusions.

Five thousand four hundred years ago a two-year-old black boy had been buried under a rock shelter. His body was carefully eviscerated and prepared for mummification, then lovingly wrapped in antelope skin.  He was the oldest mummy ever found in Africa. And until the moment he was unearthed, everyone thought the Egyptians had invented mummification in Africa!

This DVD is accompanied by a beautifully illustrated 24-page hardcover book. Watch and discover the secrets of cultures that thrived for centuries and then disappeared, and at the same time read the captivating book packed with intriguing facts, illustrations, photography and more.

Produced by Fulcrum Productions Ltd for the Discovery Channel.

 To watch a pre-view of this DVD please visit YouTube or watch it at the bottom of this page