Sub Saharan
Africa
Anthropologists believe humanity first arose in East Africa
Early culture mostly influenced by Egyptian civilization and the Mediterranean worldRomans built roads, dams, aqueducts and
cities across N. Africa; spread Christianity Camels brought in around 200 A.D.
allowing future trade across Africa possible
600-700 AD-Ethiopia threatened by Muslims, isolated from Christian Europe
600-1000 AD Bantu migrations across Sub-Saharan Africa
1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara 1250’s C.E.- Zimbabwes built (stone houses) 1260 C.E.- Ife Ife (Yoruba) create terra cotta and
bronze statues 1324-25 C.E.- Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca 1400- Swahili cities set up along Indian Ocean
coast
750 AD-Kingdom of Ghana developed between Senegal and Niger Rivers
1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara
1200’s AD- Mali Empire rises 1400’s A.D.-Songhai Empire rises
Slow advance of Islam across West Africa
Independence of Ethiopia (NEVER conquered)
Sea trade along East Coast with Islamic Empires and India)
Trans-Saharan trade (including slaves)-Gold in the west, west lacked salt (Gold/Salt trade) Importance of salt-vital to human survival to
prevent dehydration and preserve food
Djenne, Mali (mosque)Music
(communication)
Great Zimbabwe
Bronze sculpture from Benin
Most languages derive from Bantu Few records until after Muslims brought
writing to Africa. Islam INFLUENCED but didn’t REPLACE
ancient customs Griots- storytellers
High social rankWhole inter-generational groups helped tell
stories to pass on history
Cattle = wealth Lack of written history means that it is
harder to study than other civilizations Slave trade relocated millions of
Africans worldwide, also distributed culture
African traditions affect how American culture is transmitted
Islamic influence still evident across Africa
Gained control over major trade routes allowing them to tax all gold and salt flowing through
Invaded by Muslims in 1076 and never recovered and dissolved into smaller states
Conquered the old capital of Ghana Brought gold and salt mines under their
direct control Converted to Islam Ruler Mansa Musa expanded the empire
and built a mosque and palace in Timbuktu
Sultan Sunni Ali captured Timbuktu Grew rich from trade and expanded the
trade network Timbuktu continued to be a center of
Muslim scholarship Invaded by Moroccans (used guns)
Successors of the Bantus Built stone walls Center for manufacturing