1. African Kingdoms

2. Overview Facilitated trade across the Sahara and Indian Ocean
Nurtured growth of Islam in region
Growth of interaction and culture during period

3. Ghana (400s-900s) Power thru Trans-Saharan Trade
Commercial center for region
Traded gold got ivory, slaves, salt, etc.
Kings convert to Islam strengthened trade
Islam better for trade

4. Mali (1200s-1400s) Controlled trade in region
Islam encouraged merchants protected
Mansa Musa famous Mali Emperor
Pilgrimage to Mecca well documented
1000s of followers
Timbuktu commercial center for region

5. East Africa Bantu, Arabians interacted created city-states
Mogadishu, Kilwa, Sofala
Swahili developed mix of Bantu and Arabic language
Islam grew trade gold traded for goods from China, India
Great Zimbabwe trading, religious center

6. Christianity in Africa
Major Islamic influence
Christianity still able to survive
Egypt and Ethiopia major centers
St. Mark believed to preach in region
Developed unique art, architecture