World Studies Chapter 11 – Section 3

Where was the Kingdom of Axum located? The mountains of present day Ethiopia to the shores of the Red Sea. What were Axum’s two major cities and why were they profitable? Adulis and Axum located on the Red Sea and in the uplands.

What things united Ethiopia? Location – protected by rugged mountains What isolated Axum in the 600’s? It remained Christian while most African kingdoms became Islamic What things united Ethiopia?   Location – protected by rugged mountains Faith – Christian

Give examples of the uniqueness of Ethiopia’s culture. Churches – King Lalibela directed the building of 11 churches carved from mountains.

Give examples of the uniqueness of Ethiopia’s culture. Judaism – Ethiopian kings claimed to be descendents of king Solomon. Followed Jewish holidays and dietary laws and some were full-fledged Jewish. Ties with the Holy Land – made pilgrimages to Jerusalem and kept in touch with other Christian communities.

The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, located in Axum, Ethiopia, is where kings came to be crowned. It is said to house the Ark of the Covenant.

Why did independent city-states on Africa’s east coast flourish? Local rulers protected merchants, monsoon winds brought trading ships, they were peaceful, yet competitive in trade.

Describe Swahili. A language and a culture meaning of the coast. Eventually a language written in Arabic script in Kilwa an island off the east coast of Africa. Swahili was a blend of East African and Asia. Examples: Nilikula - I ate Nimekula - I have eaten Ninakula - I am eating Nitakula - I will eat  

Why did Great Zimbabwe flourish, even though it was inland? Because of nearby gold mines and connections with coastal cities.