1. Early African Civilizations
From Egyptian to Swahili city states

2. Egypt (3100 – 1090 BCE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
Located in the north-eastern part of Africa, The Nile river was a source of life.
Religion
Many gods, gods controlled nature, life after death, dead were mummified.
Government
Ruled by Pharaoh – they had absolute control.
Trade
The Nile provided the chance for large scale agriculture, this was traded along the Nile for other goods. Was a time of luxury.
Fall
Civil wars between city-states weakened Egypt – Greeks took over land surrounding the Nile.

3. Kush (3800 – 300 BCE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
South of Egypt (North-Eastern Africa)
Religion
Influenced by Egypt, life after death, Pyramid-like tombs, many gods.
Government
Ruled by a King, large military, very powerful.
Trade
Wealthy, iron – to make tools, gold and other precious products were traded for cotton and glassware for ex.
Fall
Due to iron processing trees were cut down (to make fire), trees did not grow back, iron could not be made, Kush disappeared.

4. Axum (300 – 1300 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
North-Eastern Africa (at the horn of Africa)
Religion
Christianity came, people were slow to accept it. Accommodated religions minorities.
Government
Various Kings ruled throughout it’s history.
Trade
Traded with Greeks and Romans, advanced farming techniques were successful, Centre of world trade, Ivory, spices, elephants and even people (as slaves)
Fall
Environmental concerns and trade routes being taken over.

5. Ghana (500 – 1050 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
North Western Africa
Religion
Believed in a god who created the universe, everything has a spirit.
Government
King most powerful – was religious leader and head of army.
Trade
Gold and Salt made Ghana $$ (Eastern Africa wanted both)
Fall
New mines opened up, lost need for Ghana’s resources, people started to move away. Empire began to disappear.

6. Mali (1230 – 1470 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
Western Africa
Religion
Islam, allowed them to become part of the Muslim trade route.
Government
Ruled by King, strong army, expanded the empire throughout its time.
Trade
Farmers and Herders, Explored.
Fall
Death of popular King – his son could not rule like him – cause the Empire to fade away.

7. Songhai (1464 – 1600 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
Part of Mali’s original empire. Largest of the great West African civilizations.
Religion
Islam (although many people refused to forget their own ancient traditions)
Government
King, appointed trustees to represent people from other areas (as empire was so big). Powerful and large army. Anyone had a change to become part of the gov’t
Trade
People were traded for spices, horses and cloth.
Fall
Moroccan invasion caused trade routes to be cut off, without trade they had nothing – ended up impoverished.

8. Zimbabwe (1000 – 1600 CE) Geography Religion Government Trade Fall
Southern Africa
Religion
Mwari (supreme god) – religious centre was here.
Government
Skilled construction showed a very strict division of labour and social structure.
Trade
Gold was a source to trade with merchants from India and China (they had silk and spices!)
Fall
Gold ran out = no $$

9. The Swahili City-States (1200 – 1600 CE)
Geography
South Eastern
Religion
Islamic faith – translated the Qur’an into their own language.
Government
Controlled by upper-class nobility.
Trade
Islamic faith connected people to the world of trade, the exchanged goods for products from Asia.
Fall
Portuguese traders pushed African traders out – caused the decline of the area.

10. Complete the following:
Page 67
Knowledge and Understanding #2
Thinking #5
Application and Communications #10
These activities are due tomorrow 