African Trading Civilizations: Ghana, Mali, Songhai

African Kingdoms All major African kingdoms controlled important trade routes and were very advanced long….. before European contact.

Ghana, Mali, & Songhai All existed at different times. All three civilizations prospered due to the Gold and salt trade. All developed in West Africa All had artwork which included gold, bronze, and clay sculptures.

Empire of Ghana c800-c1100 Eventually converted to Islam. (Cultural Diffusion) Conquered by Almoravids in the 11th century

How does culture diffusion happen? People move from place to place Trade Warfare Cultural diffusion is the spreading of ideas to new regions. Examples: Christmas traditions, foods, religions

Empire of Mali c1200-c1450 Islamic Kingdom Rose in power after Ghana’s demise Greatest leader was Mansa Musa He expanded the empire to nearly twice the size of Ghana. Timbuktu became a very prominent “LEARNING CENTER”

Mansa Musa Emperor of the kingdom of Mali in Africa. He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca and established trade routes to the Middle East. (demonstrates what taking place?)

Empire of Songhai c1450-c1600 Islamic Kingdom Songhai came into power as the Empire of Mali weakened Timbuktu continued to be a great cultural and learning center. They were conquered by the Moroccans with the use of gunpowder and cannons.

Empire of Kush c750BC – 200AD Northeast Africa Conquered Egypt and ruled large empire for 80 years Learned to make iron weapons and tools (cultural diffusion) Used iron ore deposits to support large iron industry Located along major trade routes.

Empire of Axum c200AD-c700AD Grew in power as the Empire of Kush declined Blended Arab and African cultures Present day Ethiopia Became a Christian Kingdom in 324 AD Located along major trade routes.

In order for towns and cities to develop there must be a surplus of food? Why? This allows people to specialize in production of different items. They would then trade these goods for the food they need.

In Africa, there is a great diversity of geography In Africa, there is a great diversity of geography. How did this influence cultural diffusion? Deserts Mountains Rivers Rain Forests This made it hard to travel Led to less cultural diffusion This led to great cultural diversity