1. Chapter 8

2. Warm-up 11/4/2013 Write some of the methods scientist use to learn about the history and culture of early civilizations.

3. Africa’s early history Neolithic people of ancient Egypt move toward civilization around 3800 B.C. Sub-Saharan African plateau- river basins and valleys. Drops down to a coastal plain. Rivers- Congo, Niger, and Zambezi are blocked by rapids. Can’t cross or move boats upstream Sahara Desert: covers one-fourth of Africa's continent.

4. Africa’s early history Sahel- southern region, rainfall is sparse and uncertain. South of the Sahel is the dry grasslands, savannas. In the savannas they grow sorghum, millet, rice, and herd cattle.

5. Africa’s early history Farther south there is rainfall. 100 inches a year of rain in central and western Africa Tropical Rain Forest thrive in this region. Vast forest Jungles- areas of dense tangles of plants grown wherever sunlight reaches.

6. Africa’s early history Rain Forest is hot and wet, provides breeding grounds for insects. Some carry diseases. Malaria and yellow fever. Kalarharia Desert and Namib Desert range from the center of southern Africa westward to the Atlantic coast.

7. Africa’s early history Language: linguists: scientists who study languages. Bantu – a family of closely related African languages “cradle land” bantu lies in west central Africa Oral traditions-poems, songs and stories passed by word of mouth from one generation to another. Hold a moral lesson

8. Africa’s early history Griots- were highly trained speakers and entertainers who memorized the oral tradition of their village. Cultural exchange- – Cultural exchange between Africa and Asia. – Shared language, and musical instruments. – Sub-Saharan Africa were able to deal with their often harsh environment.

9. Africa’s early history The climate in the Sub-Saharan became drier over time. Many crops didn’t grow well so people left the area or shifted to herding animals. What methods have been used by scholars to learn about the history of Sub-Saharan Africa?

10. Africa’s early history Patterns of Life: early Africans lived in small villages. Women played a crucial role in both family and economy. Women were primary farmers Many societies in parts of the Sub-Saharan were matrilineal.

11. Africa’s early history People would inherit property through their mothers. Ancestors important to the societies. Most religions included a supreme creator god.

12. Africa’s early history

13. Rain forest

14. Main Ideas Homework due Tuesday 11/5/2013 How did people decide what crops to grow in early African Cultures? What evidence is there of cultural exchange between early Africa and Asia? How important was the village in early African societies? How was early African society organized?