Africa’s Government and Religion Today we are learning about the governments and religions that influenced life in medieval Africa

Government & Society All citizens were allowed to come to a meeting w/ the king to voice complaints. Kings settled arguments Managed trade Protected the empire Subjects Had to obey the king completely

Ghana’s Government King Council of ministers (close advisors) Lesser Kings – conquered leaders (governed provinces) District Chiefs (governed smaller districts) Each district had a Chief’s clan (group of people from the same ancestor)

Kings most important job – control trade No one traded w/out his permission Illegal to own a gold nugget Only allowed to trade gold dust ???? Why not the son???? Royal blood lines were matrilineal (passed on by mother) Throne inherited by nephew, not son

Mali’s Government Like Ghana’s but larger More territory, people, trade Royal officials – more responsibilities Specialized- each was in charge of something dif. Generals – oversaw the provinces divided by Sundiata Trousers – Military honor to wear sewn clothes

Songhai’s Government Modeled after Ghana & Mali Sunni Ali – Divided empire into provinces Never finished what he started Died mysteriously in 1492 Muhammad Ture – general, took over Loyal Muslim Religion affected the government

Traditional African Religions Located here Olaudah Equiano – Igbo, disagreed with Europeans – he said they did believe in a higher power Common Belief - in one supreme god Communication Nanti in E. Africa – talk directly to their god Igbo – only be spoken to through less powerful gods Helped people stay in touch w/ their history Dead relatives spirits stayed in the community

3 Major African Religions Today Muslim Christians Traditional

Islam in Africa Ibn Battuta – Arab lawyer from Morocco 1325- goes to see the Muslim world Islam had been spreading since 600s Mansa Musa – ruler of Mali 1324- made pilgrimage to Makkah

Mansa Musa

Songhai and Askia Muhammad Sunni Ali – declared himself a Muslim to keep support of townspeople, but practiced a traditional religion Sunni’s son – refused Muhammad Ture – general, took over the gov. when had support of Muslim’s townspeople Took the name Askia Muhammad – Askia is a rank in the Songhai army Honored Muslim laws Made Timbuktu a center for Islamic culture

Islam in East Africa Sultan of Mogadishu was honored by Ibn Battuta visiting He spoke in both Arabic and Swahili Swahili – “people of the coast” The unique culture The language spoken Swahili – exist in East Africa today Blend of African and Muslim influences Europeans and Portuguese tried to destroy it Swahili outlived European rule

Islam’s Impact Africans who accepted Islam adopted: Islamic laws Ideas of right/wrong Education Arabic language Art/Architecture