1. African Societies
Chapter 8 (P )

2. African Geography Sahara- largest desert in Africa
Savannas- grassy plains
Most people live here

3. Early Societies Organized into family groups Animism
Griots- oral history
Skipped Copper & Bronze ages- straight to Iron Age

4. Migration A permanent move from one country or region to another
Causes:
Environmental
Economic
Political

5. Push-Pull Factors

6. Effects of Migration Redistribution of population Cultural blending
Shared technology & ideas
Conflict
Environmental effects (famine, depleted resources)
Employment opportunities may become limited

7. Bantu-Speaking Peoples
Migrated for 1,500 years southward throughout Africa, spreading their language & culture
Bantu Video

8. Aksum Conquered the Kush
Became a major trade center on the Indian Ocean trade routes
Diverse cultural heritage

9. Aksum Converted to Christianity under ruler Ezana
Modern-day Ethiopia is still predominantly Christian
Adapted to hilly environment by using terracing & irrigation techniques
First state south of the Sahara to mint coins

10. Aksum
Lasts 800 years
Islamic empire invasions isolated Aksum from trade & other Christian settlements
Aksum’s rulers moved capital to a more isolated location
Declines as world power