Kingdoms and Trading States of East Africa: Chapter 11.3

Chapter 11.2 Map Review

Axum: Center of Goods and Ideas In A.D. 350, King Ezana of Axum Conquered Nubia. By extending his kingdom into the region, Ezana expanded his control over the Red Sea Trade. Axum extended from the mountains of present-day Ethiopia to the shores of Eritrea. Merging of cultures gave rise to a unique culture and written language called Geez. Axum's opportune geographic position allowed it to become a wealthy trading center. Traded its gold and ivory through the port of Adulis into the Red Sea trade network which extended to Rome.

Trade Brings Wealth for Axum By 400 A.D. Axum had a large triangular trade route connecting Africa, India, and the Mediterranean. Axum quickly became a center of trade for goods, enslaved peoples, ivory, animal hides, and gold. Goods from farther south along the African coast came to Adulis to trade iron, spices, precious stones, and cotton cloth from India.

Many cultures such as Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Arabs and Jews mingled in these great trade centers. King Ezana made Christianity the official religion of Axum. Christianity united North Africa and the Mediterranean world until the 600s when Islam spread into Africa, isolating Christian Axum. Isolation combined with economic hardship and civil war slowly caused Axum to decline. Axum Converts to Christianity

Although Axum declined, their legacy survived through the culture and religion of the peoples in present day Northern Ethiopia. Ethiopia: A Christian Outpost Medieval Ethiopia was protected by rugged mountains so the descendants of the Axumites remained isolated and independent from neighbors. An example of Ethiopia's unique culture are the churches of Labiela. King Labiela came to power in the early 1200's and built eleven luxurious churches carved from solid rock.

Even though Ethiopia was geographically isolated, it's people shared ideas with other Christians in the region. Some Ethiopians even made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, the holy land. Over time, Christian Ethiopians absorbed many local African customs. For example, East African music and dance were adapted and ceremonies are still conducted in the ancient language of Geez. Ethiopia: A Christian Outpost 2

The King of Ethiopia claimed descent from Israelite king Solomon and the queen of Sheba. This belief was recorded in the ancient book called The Glory of Kings. Some Ethiopians practice Jewish dietary laws and celebrate Jewish holidays. Ethiopian Jews are called Falasha. Judaism in Ethiopia

While Axum declined, many other powerful city states cropped up in East Africa including Kilwa (present day Tanzania), Mogadishu (present day Somalia), Mombasa (present day Kenya), and Sofala ( present day Mozambique). East-African City States Under the protection of local African rulers, Arab and Persian merchants also settle communities in the 600s. Offshore trading posts, like the islands of Lamu and Zanzibar served as mercantile links to Asia. People from as far away as Indonesia came to Africa.

Traders soon learned that annual Monsoon winds would carry sailing ships between India and Africa. East Africans welcomed the trade provided by these winds from Arabia, China, and Persia. They traded ivory, leopard skins, iron, copper and gold from the interior of Africa. From India they traded cotton cloth, silk, and spices. Trade allowed city-states to be independent and construct beautiful, unique communities. Trading Centers Flourish

As more settlers arrived, the local East Asian culture absorbed eclectic cultural elements from new residents. The Swahili language and culture is a mix of East African, Arabic, and Bantu. The Swahili language is written in Arabic script. Trade Shapes Swahili The successful East African trade routes led to the emergence of the vibrant culture and new language of Swahili. By the 100s, many traders had settled permanently in East African trading towns like Kilwa.

By the bend of the Limpopo River lie the Great Stone Houses of Great Zimbabwe- large places with stone walls and cone shaped towers. Great Zimbabwe was built by Bantu speaking people between 900 and The inhabitants brought iron, mining methods,and improved farming. At its height around 1300, archaeologists have found beads from India and porcelain from China, showing the empires expansive trade. The Stone Houses of Great Zimbabwe

Archaeologists and historians know little about the politics and culture of Great Zimbabwe. However, artifacts suggest that the empire was ruled by a god-king who presided over a large court. Appointed governors may have had power over smaller villages. By 1500, Zimbabwe was in decline. Evidence suggests that the population had grown too large. Civil war, dwindling trade, and Portuguese invasions likely caused the empire's fall. What do we know about Great Zimbabwe?

Great Zimbabwe- Challenge 3 Instructions: Each group will read the passage and create a cartoon depicting what they have learned about the discovery of great Zimbabwe. Feel free to be creative! Include important people, places, and things. Each cartoon must also have a descriptive caption either underneath it or above it that is one sentence long. Some examples of cartoons: