1. Describe the diverse characteristics of early African societies
SSWH 6
Describe the diverse characteristics of early African societies

2. Bantu Migration
Bantu
West African peoples who migrated to the south and East between 1000 BCE and 1000 CE.
Spread language.
Easier communication across Africa

4. West African Civilizations
Camels enable traders to trek across Sahara.
Gold and Salt
West Africans control this trade and become very prosperous.

7. Empire of Ghana Prosperous b/c it taxed gold-salt trade.
King controlled gold price, demanded high taxes, and commanded large army.

8. Empire of Ghana Islam Decline spread through trade routes to Ghana
Ghana maintained their traditional beliefs, but adopted some Islamic beliefs also.
Decline
Attacks from North Africa weakened the government
Eventually overtaken by Mali

9. Empire of Mali Sundiata
First king who took control of gold and salt trade and founded Mali

10. Empire of Mali Mansa Musa King of Mali who expanded Mali’s Empire.
Converted to Islam
Adopted Sharia law but promoted religious freedom and tolerance
Pilgrimage
Completed a hajj to Mecca in 1324.
Made “friends” with other Muslim nations which made Mali more powerful.

12. Empire of Mali Disputes over succession weakened empire
People left the empire and it began to decrease in size

13. Empire of Songhai Replaced Mali as lead state in W. Africa.
Largest of W. African states.
Rulers and subjects were Muslim.
Mosques and schools studying Islam.
Fell because they did not have gunpowder & were defeated.

14. East African Trade Traded in the Indian Ocean
Primarily traded slaves to the Middle East and India.
Swahili Coast
East African coastal cities who engaged in this trade.
Shared a common language (Swahili) and religion (Islam)