Chapter 15: Societies and Empires in Africa 800-1500
How did Geography and Climate influence development in Africa? Great variety between regions Climate Topography Landforms
North and Central African Societies: Hunting-gathering societies formed close-knit family groups Oldest in world Still around Provide clues about ancient times
Hunting-Gathering Societies: Forest Dwellers Efe people Republic of the Congo Small groups of 20-100 related people Women gather Men hunt
Hunting-Gathering Societies: Social Structure Respected older male is group leader not a chief Each family makes own decisions-free to come and go
Guided Reading: #1 What were the characteristics of hunter gatherer societies? Semi-nomadic Few possessions, distinctive hunting techniques
Guided Reading: #2 Why were written laws not necessary? If conflict could not be settled through discussion, then members could move to a different band
Stateless Societies near the coast, were based on lineage and extended family ties What is a lineage? Family groups based on a common ancestor Living members Past generations Future generations Strong loyalty
Guided Reading: 3. What are characteristics of stateless societies? balance authority among lineages of equal power Societies may be patri-lineal matri-lineal Men usually hold positions of authority
Guided Reading: #4 What are some advantages of an age-set system? Young form close ties outside their lineage taught the duties and responsibilities required at different life stages
Muslim Societies developed in North Africa with the spread of Islam in the 600’s-700’s AD African rulers converted Based government on Islamic Law (Sharia) Muslim rulers relied on religious scholars as government advisors
Who were the Berbers? Desert, mountain dwellers Indigenous to N. Africa Accepted Islam Maintained Berber Identity Almoravids and Almohads found empires that united N. Africa
What was the main effect of Berber Rule on the region? Spread N. African culture United through Islamic teaching North/South Trade flourished
Guided Reading: #5 What are some characteristics of a Muslim theocracy? Religious leaders are political rulers Obeying the law is a religious obligation
Guided Reading: How did Muslim Law affect individual Islamic States? Brought stability and order
West African Civilizations While the Almohads and Almoravids were building empires in N. Africa, three powerful empire flourished in West Africa Arose in the Sahel, the savanna region just south of the Sahara Grew strong by controlling trade
West African Civilizations H:\West African Civilizations.doc