WHI.10d African Civilizations

Essential Questions What were the characteristics of civilization in sub- Saharan Africa during the medieval period?

WHI.10d African Civilizations Essential Understandings African civilizations developed in sub-Saharan west and east Africa. Trade brought important economic, cultural and religious influences to African civilizations from other parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. States and empires flourished in Africa during the medieval period, including Ghana, Mali and Songhai in west Africa, and Axum in east Africa, and Zimbabwe in southeastern Africa.

Axum (100 C.E. – 900 C.E.) Location relative to the Ethiopian highlands and the Limpopo River Religion: Christian kingdom Mediterranean Nile River Arabia Red Sea Indian Ocean

Facts for Axum Look at the facts for Axum. After each, write information we have already learned in this class that is related or similar to the fact.

Tall Tale For many years, there was a legend in Europe that there was a Christian culture beyond the territories controlled by the Muslims. Since Europe was cut off from most of the world because of Muslim control of the Middle East and North Africa, it was not until 1497, when Portuguese explorers traveled around the tip of Africa and up its eastern coast, that the “Tall Tale” was proven true. What culture did the Portuguese explorers encounter? Explain how the tale might have been started.

Zimbabwe Video Why is very little known about life in ancient Zimbabwe? Give as many specifics as possible. What is known about ancient Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe ( ) Location: In southern Africa near the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and the Indian Ocean coast Capital City: “Great Zimbabwe” was the capital of this prosperous empire Limpopo River Zambezi River Great Zimbabwe

West African Kingdoms Kingdoms/Empires: 1.Ghana (300 C.E. – 1200 C.E.) 2.Mali (1200 C.E. – 1500 C.E.) 3.Songhai (1430 C.E. – 1600 C.E.)

West African Kingdoms Location: Near the Sahara Desert and Niger River Importance of gold and salt to trans-Saharan trade City of Timbuktu as center of trade and learning

West African Kingdoms Religions: Roles of Animism and Islam Islam spread to West Africa but many people had beliefs rooted in Animism

“A Land of Gold” Reading 1.How did Ghana’s location help make it’s merchants rich? 2.How did King Kanissa’ai of Ghana become very rich? 3.What did the king order when he was told the treasurer’s problem? 4.Why were the salt merchants from Sijilmassa unhappy? 5.How do you explain the decline of Ghana?

What a Great King Might Say…or Think Read “Mansa Musa: The Muslim King of Mali” and respond to the reading questions in the notes packet.

Read Mansa Musa: The Muslim King of Mali and answer the following questions: 1.What civilization had a government similar to that of Mali? What was the purpose of Mali’s government structure? 2.What civilization had trade routes similar to the Trans-Sahara trade route? What were the similarities? 3.Describe the traditional African religion. 4.In at least one paragraph describe Mansa Musa’s trip to Mecca. Which pillar(s) of Islam was (were) demonstrated during his trip?

Sahara Desert Niger River Axum Zimbabwe Ghana Mali Songhai Timbuktu Limpopo River Zambezi River Great Zimbabwe