African Kingdoms
Overview Facilitated trade across the Sahara and Indian Ocean Nurtured growth of Islam in region Growth of interaction and culture during period
Ghana (400s-900s) Power thru Trans-Saharan Trade Commercial center for region Traded gold got ivory, slaves, salt, etc. Kings convert to Islam strengthened trade Islam better for trade
Mali (1200s-1400s) Controlled trade in region Islam encouraged merchants protected Mansa Musa famous Mali Emperor Pilgrimage to Mecca well documented 1000s of followers Timbuktu commercial center for region
East Africa Bantu, Arabians interacted created city-states Mogadishu, Kilwa, Sofala Swahili developed mix of Bantu and Arabic language Islam grew trade gold traded for goods from China, India Great Zimbabwe trading, religious center
Christianity in Africa Major Islamic influence Christianity still able to survive Egypt and Ethiopia major centers St. Mark believed to preach in region Developed unique art, architecture