1. Chapter 11 Kingdoms & Trading States of Africa 730 B.C. – A.D. 1591
Chapter Focus:
How did trade & geography influence the development of the kingdoms and trading states of Africa?*

2. Geography Africa is the worlds second largest continent
Wide range of climates, vegetation, and terrains
Played a major role in development
Provided numerous cultures

3. African Geography Africa is home to the worlds largest desert….
Sahara*
2500 B.C. – climate change*
desertification: fertile land becomes desert*
Forced people to migrate*
Spread of ideas & skills (cultural diffusion!!)

4. Geography Most of Africa’s population lives in areas known as:
Savannas – grassy plains*
More temperate
Easier to grow vegetation
Settled farmers & nomadic herders*

5. Geography Migration and Trade were often difficult in Africa due to:
Cataracts/ Waterfalls
Extreme heat
Rough Terrain (desert, rain forests, & high plateaus)

6. Trading Trading in Africa was made easier by the use of Camels*
“Ships of the Desert”*
Carried heavy loads, required less water
Great Rift Valley – flat passageway into Africa
Seas – overseas trade routes
Ex.) Mediterranean & Red Sea

7. Farming As farming increased in Africa around the year A.D. 100
Farming skills improved and created “surpluses”
Surpluses led to increased trading

8. Trading Items traded included: Cotton, nuts, clothing, slaves
Two products dominated the Sahara trade:*
Gold (West Africa) and Salt (Sahara)*
Salt served many purposes: preserved health in hot climate & preserved food
~ Some areas traded a pound of gold for a pound of salt

9. African Society
Basic unit of society - Family
Nuclear Family - Consists of parents and children living and working together (small society)*
Extended Family – parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…

10. African Society
Each family belongs to a lineage – groups that claim a common ancestor*
Heritage was either…
Patrilineal – traced through the father’s side* OR
Matrilineal – traced through the mother’s side*