Section 5: Africa

African civilizations-sub-Saharan west

and east Africa Trade- economic, cultural, and religious

influences States and empires flourished in Africa

during the medieval period: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai in west Africa, Axum in east Africa, and Zimbabwe in southeastern Africa

Introduction

Kush

South of Egypt between first cataract and fork of Nile

Location

language religion culture and clothing

Adoption of Egyptian culture

Aksum (Axum)

Ethiopian Highlands and the Nile River Conquered Kush and northern Ethiopia Located on trade routes

Location

Religion initially polytheistic with nature spirits Converted to Christianity

Christian kingdom

Zimbabwe

Zambezi and

Limpopo rivers and the Indian Ocean coast

Location

City of “Great Zimbabwe”-capital of a

prosperous empire-Became economic, political, & religious center

Controlled trade routes Adopted Islam

Great Zimbabwe

West African Kingdoms

Ghana, Mali, and

Songhai empires (Niger River and the Sahara)

gold and salt (trans-Saharan trade)

Introduction

Ghana

Central western Africa-North of Niger river and

South of Saharan desert

Location

Gold (between Niger and Senegal rivers) Salt (region lacked salt) from Saharan desert Established trans-Saharan trade routes from

North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa

Gold for Salt trade

Spread – through trade Conversion-rulers and upper class converted

Islamic influences

animism – spirits living in plants, animals, &

natural forces influenced daily life observed by lower classes

Polytheistic Beliefs

Mali

South of Sahara, Southern border both sides of

Niger river

Location

Mali built wealth on gold and found new

deposits to the east

Gold-salt trade

Controlled salt trade Divided empire into

provinces and appointed governors

Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa went on Hajj spread Islam throughout region

Effects of Hajj

became important city center of trade and learning

Timbuktu

Songhai

South of Saharan desert, Southern border

both sides of Niger river, Furthest east along Niger river

Location

Continued trade and spread of Islam across

Sahara

Gold for salt trade

Kush Aksum Zimbabw

eGhana Mali Songhai

Location

Religion

Trade

Directions: Draw the table below in your notes and fill it in