Civilizations of Africa Chapter 11

Africa and the Bantu Chapter 11, Section 1

Africa’s Physical Geography Tropical rainforests are on either side of the equator. Bands of savanna surround the forests. Savanna - areas of grassland with scattered trees and bushes. Much of Africa is savanna. Lions, zebras, and elephants live here.

Africa’s Physical Geography Deserts stretch north and south of the savanna. The Sahara is a desert that stretches over most of northern Africa. World’s largest desert. Africa’s geography has affected the way people live.

The Bantu Migration The Bantu Migration happened over 1,000 years. Among the largest population movements in human history. The area south of the Sahara desert is known as the sub-Saharan Africa. It was cut off from Europe until recently. Not much was known about the history of the area.

The Bantu Migration 9/28/2019

The Bantu Migration One reason the history of the people is hard to understand is because the wood and clay used for building has disintegrated. Weapons and tools of iron and wood have also not lasted. Stories told by African storytellers have led to new discoveries. Oral history are accounts passed down from generations by mouth.

The Bantu Migration Bantu villages were made up of families from the same clan. A group of families who traced their roots to the same ancestor. Many trace their families through their mothers, rather than fathers. Property and positions of power were passed down through the mother’s side of the family.

The Bantu Migration Bantu migrated in search of better farmland and grazing. Most Bantu were fishers, farmers, and herders. As they entered different environments, they had to change their way of life.

The Bantu Migration Bantu often moved into areas where other people lived. Sometimes they joined the group. Older cultures would adapted to Bantu culture. Bantu introduced crops like yams to other parts of Africa. Other times, they would force the people living there to leave.

The Bantu Migration Bantu had a knowledge of metalwork. Their weapons and tools allowed them to be more productive and effective. The Bantu settled throughout Central and Southern Africa.

The Bantu Migration

HOMEWORK Read P. 308 – 315 Answer #1-2 Bring books next class period!