1. Ch 18 States and societies of Sub-Saharan Africa
SPICE Chart
Ch 18 States and societies of Sub-Saharan Africa

2. Social Most African states had a kin-based society
Village council took care of everyday issues, a chief from the council would lead affairs and settle disputes
Some societies grew into kingdoms, empires and city-states
No private property, typical gender roles (men with heavy labor, women domestic chores)
Women did have other positions like merchants and often had higher authority than other post-classical regions
Age-set jobs, formed tight bonds with people

3. Political Smaller regions based on family ties but regions grew
West Africa (sub-Sahara)- Ghana, Mali, Songhay
Kingdom of Congo near rainforest
Axum in Ethiopia
Big cities- Timbuktu, Kilwa ,Great Zimbabwe
Sundiata founded Mali, Mansa Musa promoted Islam and trade through his pilgrimage to Mecca
Some powerful chiefs overrode kinship networks and imposed authority with military back up (Ife and Benin)

5. Interaction with Environment
Bantu migrations from 2000 BCE-1000 CE
Agriculture and herding spread with the migration
Iron smelting increased metallurgy and tools
Gold in sub-Saharan regions led to prosperity
Gold traded for salt found in slabs in the Sahara
People needed to adapt to geographic regions (rainforest, savanna, desert)
Camels quicken communication and trade across the desert after 300 CE

6. Culture
Bantu language was foundation for tracking migrations, the east coast language became known as Swahili (Arab word for coast)
Religion based on tradition of animism- spirits often associated with natural elements, ancestor- veneration and rituals (blended with Islam and Christianity later)
Islam spread as merchants crossed the Sahara- many rulers converted to increase diplomacy with trade
In Ethiopia- Christianity was dominant (stayed from Roman Empire days), kings believed they were descendants of King Solomon
Many villages traced their roots through a common ancestor (lineage) and some were matrilineal

7. The Larabanga Mosque, one of Ghana's oldest mosques

8. Economics
Once camels replaced horses, trans-Saharan merchants linked the West African kingdoms and gold-salt trade prospered
East coast port cities linked Indian Ocean trade
Slave trade had been in place before being used in the colonies, most were captives of war or criminals and worked in agricultural labor
Demand from slaves grew from Eastern Europe and Middle east, sometimes slave raids happened against smaller villages