1. Focus 4/16
African kingdoms depended on location for success. The successful African kingdoms controlled key trade routes and created monopolies on salt and gold. Some eastern Kingdoms owed their success to location on the east African sea coast. Point for Discussion: Why did west African kingdoms find it difficult to engage in sea trade? Term to Know: Monopoly Critical Lens: African geography was responsible for the diverse cultures of Africa..

2. EAST AFRICAN EMPIRES

3. East Africa
Axum controlled a trade network that linked Africa, India, and countries in Mediterranean Sea

4. East Africa Ethiopia’s location was beneficial to trade
Ethiopians converted to Christianity
Ethiopian Christians celebrated Jewish holidays and traditions
Ethiopians adapted African dance and music

5. East Africa
Trade in East Africa led to mixing of cultures. This resulted in a new language called Swahili, which blended Arabic and Bantu languages

6. Achievements of Africa
West Africa Empires established trade networks across the Sahara Desert
East African Empires established trade with India, Middle East, and Mediterranean countries.
Timbuktu became a center for learning which produced doctors, writers, and lawyers.
African Nations excelled at mining, architecture, and religious philosophy.

7. Closure
What was the key to success in trade for Ghana, Axum, and Mali?
Explain the development the Swahili language.