Early African Civilizations From Egyptian to Swahili city states

Egypt (3100 – 1090 BCE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall Located in the north-eastern part of Africa, The Nile river was a source of life. Religion Many gods, gods controlled nature, life after death, dead were mummified. Government Ruled by Pharaoh – they had absolute control. Trade The Nile provided the chance for large scale agriculture, this was traded along the Nile for other goods. Was a time of luxury. Fall Civil wars between city-states weakened Egypt – Greeks took over land surrounding the Nile.

Kush (3800 – 300 BCE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall South of Egypt (North-Eastern Africa) Religion Influenced by Egypt, life after death, Pyramid-like tombs, many gods. Government Ruled by a King, large military, very powerful. Trade Wealthy, iron – to make tools, gold and other precious products were traded for cotton and glassware for ex. Fall Due to iron processing trees were cut down (to make fire), trees did not grow back, iron could not be made, Kush disappeared.

Axum (300 – 1300 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall North-Eastern Africa (at the horn of Africa) Religion Christianity came, people were slow to accept it. Accommodated religions minorities. Government Various Kings ruled throughout it’s history. Trade Traded with Greeks and Romans, advanced farming techniques were successful, Centre of world trade, Ivory, spices, elephants and even people (as slaves) Fall Environmental concerns and trade routes being taken over.

Ghana (500 – 1050 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall North Western Africa Religion Believed in a god who created the universe, everything has a spirit. Government King most powerful – was religious leader and head of army. Trade Gold and Salt made Ghana $$ (Eastern Africa wanted both) Fall New mines opened up, lost need for Ghana’s resources, people started to move away. Empire began to disappear.

Mali (1230 – 1470 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall Western Africa Religion Islam, allowed them to become part of the Muslim trade route. Government Ruled by King, strong army, expanded the empire throughout its time. Trade Farmers and Herders, Explored. Fall Death of popular King – his son could not rule like him – cause the Empire to fade away.

Songhai (1464 – 1600 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall Part of Mali’s original empire. Largest of the great West African civilizations. Religion Islam (although many people refused to forget their own ancient traditions) Government King, appointed trustees to represent people from other areas (as empire was so big). Powerful and large army. Anyone had a change to become part of the gov’t Trade People were traded for spices, horses and cloth. Fall Moroccan invasion caused trade routes to be cut off, without trade they had nothing – ended up impoverished.

Zimbabwe (1000 – 1600 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall Southern Africa Religion Mwari (supreme god) – religious centre was here. Government Skilled construction showed a very strict division of labour and social structure. Trade Gold was a source to trade with merchants from India and China (they had silk and spices!) Fall Gold ran out = no $$

The Swahili City-States (1200 – 1600 CE) Geography South Eastern Religion Islamic faith – translated the Qur’an into their own language. Government Controlled by upper-class nobility. Trade Islamic faith connected people to the world of trade, the exchanged goods for products from Asia. Fall Portuguese traders pushed African traders out – caused the decline of the area.

Complete the following: Page 67 Knowledge and Understanding #2 Thinking #5 Application and Communications #10 These activities are due tomorrow 