Ancient Africa Section 1.3

Main Idea Trade was a major factor in the development of African societies south of the Sahara.

Ghana 500 CE began in West Africa Huge armies, kings ruled by force Skilled craftsmen, best blacksmiths in world Traded gold for salt Camels used for transportation Defeated by Mali in 1100s CE

Ghana

Mali Mansu Musa: great king of Mali  Muslim, took a pilgrimage to Mecca  Gave away lots of gold, so much that gold was devalued  Spread Islam within Africa  The capital (Timbuktu) contained a great university that helped educate West Africa about Islam.  Death of Musa spells the end of Mali

Mali

Songhai Based in fertile areas of Niger River Great traders Declined around 1500

Family Extended family lived together EF connected to others in lineage groups LG supported one another Some societies matrilineal (followed moms heritage lines)

Slavery Ancient custom in Africa, not established by Europeans or Asians Berbers sold slaves to Greeks and Romans Slaves were often the losers of war, debtors, criminals Most not considered inferior (Europeans and Asians start that) Slaves used as soldiers, farmers, domestic help

Slavery

Cause and Effects of the Slave Trade Causes  Settlers in the Americas needed many workers.  Planters wanted cheap labor  Europeans thought Africans were inferior. Effects  Estimated that 20 million Africans were forced to the Americas  Millions died in the Middle Passage.  Tremendous human suffering  American economy became dependant on slavery.  Leads to the US Civil War.

Evil Institution