The rise of African civilizations Today we are learning how geography and trade shaped the growth of African civilizations

Africa’s geography Sahara- largest desert 4 climate zones Mediterranean Desert Savanna Rain Forest

Slices Africa in ½ Savannas- tropical grass lands Kalahari – desert in the southwest Plateau – area of high flat land Great Rift Valley – earliest human fossils found

West African Empires Berbers – 1st known people to settle Africa “Ships of the desert” – camels Revolutionized trade Big feet - Do not sink in sand Humps – store fat for food Water – go days w/out water Trade items North Africa Salt & Cloth Western Africa Gold & Ivory

Ghana 1st empire (400s) “Crossroads of Trade” – trade routes came together Grew wealthy from taxes Iron weapons Conquered neighbors using these Controlled the ppl who had the gold mines Built a huge army People wanted to trade salt and gold

Mali Ghana’s decline Griots - sorytellers Discovery of gold outside of Gahan’s reach reduced taxes Fighting Muslims Griots - sorytellers Sundiata Keita – ruled: 1230-1255 “Lion Prince” Siezed Ghana in 1240 Gold – put Mali in control of trade

Songhai Mali’s decline Death of Mansa Musa Berber’s attacked Sunni Ai -1468, used his location near the Niger to take over Berber salt mines War canoes seize river Created the largest empire in W. Africa Songhai declines Moroccan soldiers were better equipped – weapon wise Salt = Gold Salt needed for health – sweat a lot in Africa Preserving food Flavor food

Kingdoms of the Rain Forest King Ewuare – founded the empire of Benin Natural advantages Farmable soil Warm/wet climate Food surplus – extra supply Bananas Yams rice

East Africa Queen of Sheba – Queen Makeda King Solomon – ruler of the Israelites Abbyssinia - aka Ethiopia Axum – great location – Red Sea King Ezana – defeated Kush

Dhows –sailboats Trading post – Muslim traders settled in East African city-states Mogadishu, Zimbabwe, Kilwa, Mombasa – major links in Indian Ocean trade network Zimbabwe – supplied gold, copper, and ivory to the west coast. Great Zimbabwe – empire’s capital