From the 1650s through the late 1800's, European colonists descended on South Africa. They sought to claim the region, becoming even more aggressive after discovering the area's abundant natural resources. To support their claims to the land, the colonizers asserted they were settling in empty land devoid of local people. Was this argument true? Anneliese Mehnert debunks the Empty Land Theory. [Directed by Héloïse Dorsan-Rachet, narrated by Christina Greer, music Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

Anneliese Mehnert: One of history's most dangerous myths

One of history's most dangerous myths

Debunking the Empty Land Myth: Indigenous South Africans' millennia-old land practices starkly contrasted colonial claims.

The Glen Grey Act of 1894 epitomized colonial exploitation, disenfranchising native Africans and institutionalizing racism.

From apartheid's shadows, South Africa's true history emerges, challenging the Empty Land Myth with archaeological evidence.