1. Aim: What are the geographical and cultural characteristics of African society? June 5, 2015

2. I. Africa’s Geography A.Diverse Climates and Terrains 1. Northern Africa is largely desert (Sahara): Very dry, extremely hot temperatures during the day, little vegetation 2. Sahel Region – Sub Saharan 3. Savanna – Grassy plains in central and southern Africa. Generally have good soil, rain to support farming. 4. Rainforests along the equator Is Africa’s geography a blessing or a curse?

3. II. Religion A. Animism - Belief that all things living and non-living had spirits. Departed ancestors were among these spirits. Is this similar to any other religious belief systems we have learned about this year?

4. III. The Bantu Migrations (500 B.C. – 1500 A.D.) A.One of the largest migrations of people in history. B.Due to a shortage of land on the Niger Delta Basin, the Bantu people scattered throughout eastern and southern Africa over the course of 2,000 years. As they moved, they spread three things. –Bantu language –Iron technology –Agricultural (farming) techniques. How are the Bantu Migrations an example of cultural diffusion? Can you think of any other examples of cultural diffusion that we have already learned about that were similar?

5. Critical Thinking Question Which region in Africa do you think will be home to the most powerful kingdoms? Why?

6. Kingdoms of Western Africa

7. Concluding Question Based on what we have learned, why do you think there were no more powerful kingdoms in Western Africa after 1600?