1. I. Tropical Lands and Peoples A. The Tropical Environment 1. There are certain places in the world that, due to the Earth’s angle, are constantly being warmed by the sun. 2. The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn mark the outer limits while the equator marks the center.

3. 3. Surviving in tropical areas requires one to manage a multitude of different environments. 4. Before 1200 C.E., most tropical Africans and Asians had taken up raising domesticated plants and animals as the best way to feed themselves. 5. People living here were also advancing skills in fishing, hunting, and gathering.

4. II. New Islamic Empires A. Mali in the Western Sudan 1. After the Arabs had conquered North Africa and the Middle East, the volume of trade across the Sahara increased dramatically. 2. Eventually, Islam spread south into the lands called bilad al-sudan, or “land of the blacks.”

5. 3. Even though conquest was a major component to the spread of Islam, the diffusion of Islam south was far more peaceful. 4. The first sub-Saharan African state to adopt Islam was Takrur in far western Sudan in 1030. 5. Then in about 1240 King Suniata defeated Sumanguru of Takrur. 6. This established the Kingdom of Mali on the far western coast of Africa.

7. 7. Under the reign of Mansa Kankan Musa, 1312 – 1337, Mali prospered and its reputation of wealth spread far. 8. Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 which gave him an opportunity to display the wealth of his empire. 9. Mansa returned from his pilgrimage eager to promote Islam.

8. B. The Delhi Sultanate in India 1. The arrival of Islam in India was much more violent in comparison to sub-Sahara Africa. 2. During the last decades of the 12 th century a Turkish dynasty captured the Indian cities of Delhi and Lahore. 3. Between 1206 and 1236 the Muslim invaders extended their rule over the Hindu princes and chiefs in much of northern India.

9. 4. Under the leadership of Sultan Ala- ud-din Khalji the Sultanate of Delhi grew wealthy and even briefly united both northern and southern India. 5. By 1351, all of South India became independent of Delhi’s rule. 6. Even with all the violence, the Delhi Sultanate was important in the development of centralized political authority.