2. Early People of West Africa

4. Who were the first people in the area?
hunter-gatherers

5. How many lived together? 20-50 in small groups called bands

6. What was their most important resource?
water

7. Where did the hunter-gatherers of West Africa get their water?
Niger River

8. What was the first step in developing a “civilization”?
Learning to farm

9. Soninke
One of the earliest people
Lived in small groups
Farmed
Niger River

10. Soninke A.D. 300 - began banding together Why?
Protection against nomadic herders who wanted to move into the area

11. What were the early steps/results in developing civilization?
Farming
Food Surplus
Permanent Shelters
Healthier / lived longer
Government
Specialization / Trade
Social Classes
Religion
Cities
Public works
Art/Architecture
Writing

12. Ancient Ghana

13. Ancient Ghana Developed 400 miles NW of present day Ghana
Became trading nation
most important goods – salt and gold

14. Ancient Ghana Founded A.D. 300 Began iron-smelting – A.D. 350
What were the effects of iron-smelting?

15. Effects of Iron-Smelting
Stronger weapons….
stronger military; extended
boundaries and controlled trade
Iron farming tools….
clear land faster; grow more
food (easier)

16. Ancient Ghana – Trading Empire
Location perfect
Between Sahara (north) & forest (south)