Unit 2: Regional Civilizations730 BC – 1650 AD

• (Part 2: Chapters 10 - 12)• The Middle Ages in Africa, the Middle East and Asia

Ch 10 Review Questions

• Who is Muhammad and why is he significant to World History?

• What are some important beliefs of Muslims?• What were some social and economic

advances brought about by Muslim empires?

Chapter 11: Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa (730 BC – AD 1591)

• Trade routes are the key to holding power and transferring culture in Medieval Africa.

S1: Early Civilizations of Africa• * The Influence of Geography– Africa is the 2nd largest continent– Wide range of climates, vegetation, and terrains– Variety = diversity of culture in Africa

Resources Spur Trade• Since ancient times, Africa’s mineral wealth

has spurred trade across the continent and into other continents.– Ex: Salt, Gold, Iron, Copper• Valuable items to early trade that brought wealth and

power to African trading cities.

How do you think understanding trade can help us better understand the history of Africa?

S2: Kingdoms of West Africa

• Some African Medieval Cities become wealthy commercial centers.

• Between 800-1600, several powerful kingdoms win control of these prosperous cities and their trade.

Kingdoms of West Africa • Ghana

– Founded around AD 800, Located near the Niger and Senegal rivers, the king controlled the gold-salt trade routes across West Africa

• Mali– Around 1235 AD, wins control of the gold trade routes after the collapse of Ghana’s empire

• Songhai– Around 1400, establishes its kingdom in West Africa as Mali’s empire loses its power

S3: Kingdoms and Trading States of East Africa

• Axum (Aksum): Center of Goods and Ideas– By AD 300s, Christianity spreads to Africa and the

King of Axum names it the official religion– By AD 400, commanded a triangular trade network that connected Africa, India, and the Mediterranean world.

Ethiopia• A Christian Outpost• Medieval Ethiopia– Descendants of Axum– Success due in part to the unifying power of their

Christian faith.

Ethiopia

S4: Societies in Medieval Africa• *Key Thought: Africa’s varied geography and

climates and the development of migration and trade have played major roles in how early societies developed throughout the continent.

How do you think geography / climate / migration / trade can impact the development of a society?

Elements of African Society• Family Patterns

– Each family belonged to a lineage (common ancestor)• Patrilineal: inheritance passed through the father’s side• Matrilineal: inheritance passed through the mother’s side

• Political Patterns– Varied based on culture and size of community– Ex: In some villages, a chief had most of the authority, but in

other villages a group of elders made the major decisions.

• Religious Beliefs– Various beliefs early on, but by 1000 AD both Christianity and Islam spread to many regions of Africa

Ch. 11 Quick Review

• What are some factors that helped shape the development of early civilizations in Africa?

• What seemed to be the key to power for West African Kingdoms such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai?

• What two major world religions spread into Africa and impacted its development?