Chapter 7 - Early African Civilizations 2000 B.C. – A.D. 1500

What geographic factors do you think affected the development of African civilizations? Landforms: Africa is the second largest continent (Asia is the largest) Much of Africa is savanna, or grassy plains A large part of Africa is desert, or dry barren land – the Sahara in North Africa is the world’s largest desert and the Kalahari is in Southern Africa Africa has a small belt of rain forests – Congo River Valley in western Africa Great Rift Valley in eastern Africa – mountains rise up high over deep canyons

Rain forests, deserts, and mountains make overland travel difficult Powerful rapids and steep waterfalls make water travel difficult Due to this diversity of environments and natural barriers, sub-Saharan cultures differ widely

About 7000 – 8000 years ago, farming gave rise to Africa’s first civilizations The Neolithic Revolution, which was systematic agriculture and the domestication of animals led to the civilizations of Egypt, Kush (Nubia) and Axum. By 2000 BC, trade had arisen between Egypt and Nubia (Kush) to the south. Nubia (Kush) was under Egyptian control until 1000 BC when they became the independent state of Kush. In 750 BC, Kush conquered Egypt, but they were soon overpowered by the Assyrians who had more advanced weapons. Kush used bronze and stone weapons, while the Assyrians had iron spears and swords. The Kushites then returned to their original lands.

Section 2 – Kingdoms and States of Africa Main Idea: Throughout history, trade had a major impact on the societies of Africa. Trade brought new cultural influences to Africa, adding to its diversity (cultural diffusion). In Africa, towns became part of an important trade network. Strong African rulers (kings) created powerful kingdoms by gaining control over the most profitable trade routes. Three trading kingdoms of West Africa were Ghana, Mali and Songhai.

Kingdom of Ghana (800 – 1000) Ghana – first great trading state in West Africa – emerged circa A.D. 500. Located in the upper Niger River valley. (This is not the same location as the present-day nation of Ghana) Income from gold trade allowed the king to maintain a large army of foot soldiers and cavalry. Muslim merchants brought their religion and ideas when they settled in the kingdom of Ghana (cultural diffusion), but most people kept their traditional beliefs. Women had a high status and played a active role in the economic life of the empire.

Kingdom of Mali (1200 – 1450) Ruled by powerful kings, called mansas. *Mansa Musa – the most powerful ruler, centralized the government, extended the borders of Mali and dominated West Africa. Mansa Musa converted to Islam, made a pilgrimage to Mecca and based his system of justice on the Quran. He maintained a large army, and the warriors were an elite class in Mali, but most people were farmers and herders. *Timbuktu became a great trading city and center of Muslim learning.

Songhai (1450 – 1600) Situated along the Niger River, it grew into the largest West African State which brought the wealthy city of Timbuktu under Songhai control Used a large army to control important trade routes which expanded into Europe and Asia Sonni Ali, the emperor set up Muslim dynasty Had an efficient bureaucracy to govern the kingdom Civil war broke out in the 1500s, weakening the kingdom, which allowed invaders from the north to defeat Songhai. This caused the downfall of the kingdom.

*Bantu Migration As populations grew, the Bantu began to migrate in search of new lands to settle. The Bantu people originally lived in West Africa. As the Sahara began to dry out these skilled farmers and herders migrated south and east in search of fertile land. The Bantu were subsistence farmers. The Bantu would clear land, burn the trees, and then scatter ashes. This technique is called slash-and-burn*. Between 500 B.C. and A.D. 1500, Bantu settlers spread their knowledge of farming and ironworking, as well as language, across the continent. Today about a third of all Africans speak a language in the Bantu family.

Southern Africa Most people lived in stateless societies – groups of independent villages led by a local ruler. Some of these groups united between 1300 – 1450, into the wealthy and powerful state of Zimbabwe. Like other kingdoms, Zimbabwe prospered from the gold trade.

Section 3 – African Society and Culture Religion – religious beliefs were varied. Some worshiped many gods identified with forces of nature. Others believed in ancestor worship. The Arts - mostly used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Art strengthened bonds within the community. Literary Traditions – Histories and folk tales were often passed down in oral form. Histories praised the heroism of famous ancestors or kings. Folk tales blended fantasy and humor to teach moral lessons. Education – It was the duty of the elders to teach boys and girls their roles in the community. The elders also taught about their clan’s history and religious beliefs.