Development of African Civilizations Global Studies I

Land Africa is the second largest continent. almost 5000 miles of land surrounded by two seas and two oceans Prominent geographical features include: Sahara desert Great Rift Valley Nile River Congo River Mount Kilimanjaro

Climate Four climate zones Mild zone Desert Rain forest Savanna Northern coast and southern tip Desert Sahara in the north Kalahari in the south Rain forest Along the equator Savanna Stretches across Africa north and south of the rainforest

Emerging Civilization Farming led to first African civilizations: Egypt, Kush, and Axum Kush Lived in the upper Nile valley economy was first based on farming, but soon became a major trading state Exported iron, ivory, gold, ebony, and slaves Imported jewelry and silver lamps in the fourth century A.D., King Ezana of Axum conquered Kush

Emerging Civilization Axum founded by a colony of Arabs in what is now Ethiopia combined Arab and African cultures Prospered due to location on the Red Sea and the trading route between India and the Mediterranean exported ivory, myrrh, and slaves imported textiles, metal goods, wine, and olive oil most distinctive feature was religion about A.D. 330, King Ezana converted to Christianity and he made it the official religion of Axum

The Rise of Islam Early 8th century, the entire coastal region of North Africa to the Strait of Gibraltar was under Arab rule a number of Muslim trading states had been established on the African coast of the Red Sea In the twelfth century, problems arose: Coastal Muslim states moved inland to take control of the slave and ivory trades from Axum. Axum fought back. By the early 15th century, Axum and the Muslim state of Adal were in a growing conflict.

Map Activity Use the map on page 224 in your book to shade the following climate zones: Mild zone: shade blue Desert: shade brown Rain forest: shade green Savanna: shade orange Place a key on your map showing the climate zones