Kingdoms and States of Africa Global Studies I

Ghana AD 500, emerged as a trading state Rulers were kings Economy Protected by a well trained army No laws Economy Based on trade Exports: iron ore, gold, ivory, ostrich feathers, hides, and slaves Imports: metal goods, textiles, horses, salt

Ghana Contributions iron tools and weapons camel caravan people living in N. Africa could travel across the Sahara and interact with people in sub-Saharan Africa expanded trade different cultures came into contact

Mali established in the mid-13th century Rulers Sundiata Keita “lion prince” defeated the Ghanians in 1240 “father of his country” united Mali established strong government

Mali Mansa Musa created a strong central government encouraged learning imported scholars and books to encourage the study of the Quran brought in architects to build mosques and palaces

Mali Economy Timbuktu farming trade gold and salt Timbuktu One of the intellectual capitals of the Muslim world

Songhai Rulers Kossi Sunni Ali Muhammad Ture established the kingdom in 1009 Sunni Ali began expansion of the kingdom in 1464 Muhammad Ture height of power divided kingdom into provinces

Songhai Government Economy strong central government provinces ruled by governors Economy trade salt and gold conquests

Bantu people spread iron smelting techniques across Africa changed African agriculture and nutrition by growing new crops Swahili mixed African-Arabian culture language that combined Bantu with Arabic words and phrases

States and Stateless Societies in South Africa Until 11th century, most South Africans lived in stateless societies group of independent villages organized by clans and led by a local ruler or clan head Zimbabwe 1300 – 1450, wealthiest and most powerful state in South Africa prospered from the gold trade