Ancient African Kingdoms PERSIA

PERSIA Approach The Feudalism Unit contains so much information from so many regions, it’s hard to do it chronologically and have it make sense. We’re going to do it thematically, discussing the regions by themes and discussing how they interact with one another.

PERSIA – Political Major African civilizations: Aksum (c. 500 BC to 700 AD), Mali (1235-1400s), Ghana (700-1076), Songhai (mid 1400s – 1591) Tribes -> Empires One important political ruler was Mansa Musa in the empire of Mali; he was a strong and rich ruler (Muslim) who helped bring Islamic culture and arts to empire – especially Timbuktu

PERSIA - Economic Most African civilizations started as hunters and gatherers or practicing agriculture in small villages. However, Africa’s vast mineral resources facilitated high trade with other regions. By trading and taxing goods, culture was spread as well. Gold-salt and ivory trade – pretty much what it sounds like. Until 1350 roughly 2/3 of the world’s gold came from West Africa. Why would a country trade gold for salt??

PERSIA - Religion Ancient African civilizations were largely polytheistic with a major deity helped by lesser gods and goddesses. Smaller gods controlled nature Believed in spirits of their ancestors (like…?) However, Christianity and Islam spread to African cultures after their births in Palestine and Arabia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw45nBcWNbQ

PERSIA - Society Ancient African society had few hierarchies, hunters and gatherers have little need for such aspects of civilization. Extended families Patrilineal – rights and family descent from father Matrilineal – mother Strong family focus

PERSIA - Intellectual How do we know about ancient African civilizations? Griots – poets and storytellers who passed on traditions through generations Timbuktu – Islamic center, mosques and universities Part of Mali’s Golden Age

PERSIA - Artistic Also a rich history of myths in African culture. Most societies believed in a single creator (Olorun) Masks = artifacts left to view culture.

Find room to write this… Don’t get caught up in the belief that all Africa is the same, however. (Africa isn’t a country!!) Each society had different things that make them unique – they’re interesting to study (Piankhi) Had a long and rich history independent of Europe and the rest of the world.