African Empires

#1: Point out 3 things about the map

Bantu Migration 3,000 BC - Farmers, herders Known for: Iron working, slash and burn Over 1,500 yrs, they migrated to S. Africa Cultural blending: Swahili – Arabic and Persian & Bantu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUdR SDcDQlY

#2: Think about synchronized swimming Then, infer what religious syncretism means.

Religion in Africa Animism – Islam – Christianity – The belief that spirits are present in animals, plants, and other natural objects Islam – Spread into Northern Africa through trade and conquest Christianity – Brought into the Kingdom of Aksum Religious Syncretism – Blending of religions

#3: Locate the Sahara desert #3: Locate the Sahara desert. What would be worth the travel across the desert to trade?

Trans Saharan Trade Forests in West Africa – deposits of gold However, lacked salt Sahara desert rich in salt Cultural blending

#4. Draw the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

Ghana Became rich from taxing traders Commanded an army and controlled trade Influenced by Islam Muslim Almoravids conquered and disrupted Ghana’s trade

#5. What was the artist trying to portray in this picture?

Mali New gold found east of Ghana Twice size of Ghana Sundiata – first great warrior leader of Mali Mansa Musa – ruler of Mali who went on hajj Gave away enormous amounts of gold Europeans learned of Mali’s wealth Timbuktu – famous city in Mali, mosques, universities

Sunni Ali Askia Muhammad #6. What can you infer from the names of two famous Songhai leaders below? Sunni Ali Askia Muhammad

Songhai New gold fields developed eastward Sunni Ali - military leader who expanded territory Conquered Timbuktu Askia Muhammad – took over after Ali’s son was not a Muslim Led empire at its peak

#7. Predict how Songhai might fall #7. Predict how Songhai might fall. (The last of the West African Empries)

The Fall Songhai lacked modern weapons 1304 – Arabs developed first gun 1591 – Moroccan army invaded Songhai with gunpowder and cannons Ended a 1,000 year period of powerful West African kingdoms