Early African Civilizations

The Great Rift Valley Believed that the first humans emerged here. Migrations began outward from here. People learned to adapt and alter their environments. Eastern Africa

Nomadic Peoples Early Africans were “hunter - gatherers.” In areas of rich wildlife, pastoralists or herders learned to domesticate animals. Both lived nomadic lifestyles.

Transition to Settled Lifestyles Belief: Agriculture began 6,000 B.C. in Africa. As Africans learned to farm, they began settled communities. Reliable supply of food allowed specialized jobs, increased population. The modern day San of the Kalahari.

Complex Settlements Larger settlements required organization . People developed governments such as a village chief, or a council of leaders. Some became large centralized powers .

Shared Elements of Culture The family is the basic “social unit.” Included extended family such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Ties extended to the clan, a group with shared ancestors.

Language and History All African societies had a language, but most were not written down. History and culture passed down orally by storytellers or “griots.”

Belief Systems Helped people to understand their world Animism - religious belief that spirits play a role in daily life. Spirits are present in many forms - including souls of dead ancestors.

Early Societies in West Africa Archeology has shown that African nations developed advanced societies. Major cities were present long before outsiders came to Africa.

The Nok The earliest known culture of West Africa. Today’s modern Nigeria. Developed technology to make iron tools and weapons. Nok artisans were skilled in making terra cotta sculptures.

Djenne - Djeno The ancient remains of this city and its many artifacts reveal it was a strong center of trade. The oldest city south of the Sahara

Migration: Push-Pull Factors (8.2) PUSH EXAMPLES MIGRATION FACTORS PULL EXAMPLES Climate changes, exhausted resources, drought Environmental Abundant land, good climate, new resources Unemployment, slavery Economic Employment Opportunities Religious, ethnic, or political persecution, war Political Political and/or religious freedom

Kingdom of Aksum (8.3) Arab people crossed Red Sea, mixed with Africans living there Modern day Horn of Africa International trading power Christianity!

Accomplishments and Decline Written language Terracing Architecture w no mortar Fall? Islamic Invaders

Muslim States In the 600’s, Muslims spread across northwest Africa. Many African people were converted to Islam. Some rulers became Muslims and used Islamic law to rule. Much of North Africa strongly influenced by Islam.

West Africa Several powerful empires and states emerged in the Sahel. (Ghana, Mali) Strength grew from taxation / control of trade. Introduction of camels allowed trade to increase and grow throughout desert areas.

Gold and Salt Trade Arab traders crossed the desert by caravan. Trading gold from one region for salt in another. Port cities grew in wealth - trade included cloth, weapons, manufactured goods.

Eastern and Southern Empires (15.3) Several empires grew powerful from trade. Trade developed along seaports between Muslims and Africans. Intermixing of Arabic and Bantu languages blended into the Swahili language.

Great Zimbabwe A powerful empire emerged in southeastern Africa. The city of Great Zimbabwe became a political, religious and economic center. Massive stone walls enclosed the palace. By 1450, city was abandoned.