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STATES & SOCIETIES OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
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Identify evidence of the Post- Classical themes in the reading on the west African kingdom of Songhai.
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1. Overall geographic expansion with more specific civilization centers included. 2. Diffusion of religions/philosophies such as Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. 3. Inter-regional economic & cultural exchange linking Africa, Asia & Europe. 4. The restoration of political order.
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Early Migrations Islamic Kingdoms African Society
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Bantu migration t/o Africa Spreads language Agriculture Yams, sorghum, millet Yams, sorghum, millet Bananas from Asia (500CE) Bananas from Asia (500CE) food supply food supply population population Iron tools land for farming Effects of Early migrations Trade routes & Bantu migrations
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Political Organisation Kin-based society (aka called "stateless society") family and kinship groups Village council = male family heads Chief = most prominent family head A group of villages = district Villages chiefs negotiated inter-village affairs Chiefdoms Population strained resources & conflict Some organize military forces, 1000 C.E. Powerful chiefs imposed authority & conquered other regions Masai Chief & Family, Kenya
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Kingdom of Kongo Villages formed small states along Congo River, c. 1000 C.E. Small states formed several larger principalities, 1200 C.E. War between states kingdom of Kongo Highly centralized bureaucracy Divided into 6 provinces Uniform currency (cowrie shells) Lasted to mid-17th century Developed trade relationship w/Portuguese Slavers undermine kingdom in 17th century
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Trans-Saharan trade and Islamic states in west Africa Kingdoms of ancient Africa After 300 C.E. camels quickened pace of trans-Saharan trade Islamic merchants crossed desert and established relations Ghana long established kingdom Dominant empire in W. Africa Koumbi-Saleh capital & one of many wealthy commercial cities Extensive gold trade Spread Islam to locals Ex. Kings of Ghana convert to Islam in 10 th century CE
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Mansa Musa, Sundiata's grandnephew (reigned 1312-1337 C.E.) Made his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 with huge caravan Upon return to Mali, built mosques Sent students to study with distinguished Islamic scholars in northern Africa Established Islamic schools in Mali Decline of Mali due to factions and military pressure from neighbors and nomads The Songhay empire replaced Mali by the late fifteenth century Alliances w/other tribes to gain power Controlled & taxed most trans-Saharan Mali linked to north Africa w/ caravans Many prosperous cities on trade routes ex. Niani, Gao, Timbuktu, Jenne, ex. Niani, Gao, Timbuktu, Jenne, Muslim, but tolerated other religions Seen as benevolent & just ruler Extolled by griots as model for great African ruler Sundiata, Lion Prince of Mali (1230-55 CE)
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Mansa Musa, Mali (r. 1312-37) High point of Mali Empire Devout Muslim Intolerant of other beliefs Following return from hajj to Mecca Built mosques & madrasas to spread Islam t/o Mali Sent students to study w/scholars Expanded the empire of Mali Mali Empire collapses by 15th century Ineffective central govt Provinces secede External threat & pressures Succeeded by the Songhay Empire Mansa Musa’s world. Stories around his pilgrimage claim his generosity caused a devaluation of gold.
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The Indian Ocean trade and Islamic states in east Africa The Swahili city-states Chiefs power via tax on trade Control flow of goods @ ports Ports city-states governed by kings during 11 th & 12 th centuries Kilwa: dominant city-state on east coast Built multi-story residences Used common currency Exported gold, ivory Imported textiles, jewels, porcelain Numerous mosques Ravaged by jerk-face Portuguese in 1331 Kilwa (Quiloa in Latin)
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Zimbabwe Erected large city (c. 18,000) to serve as capital Rulers controlled flow of gold, ivory, slaves, etc. to coast Benefited from maritime trade in Indian Ocean as W. Africa did from trans-Saharan trade Great Zimbabwe
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