African Culture Continued Development of Civilization Agriculture Crops Livestock Ironworking

African Culture Importance of Extended Families Men often had several wives Multiple generations often lived together Clan: Could trace ancestry to a common relative Tribe: Two or more clans with same language, beliefs, and customs

African Culture Indigenous Religions Most believed in a Supreme Being Many also believed in lesser gods Many lived in fear of vengeful spirits Animism: Belief in spirits

African Culture Islam Entered the culture gradually Eventually became dominant

Early African Empires East: Ethiopia Kush Aksum = Ethiopia Legends Frumentius Development of Coptic Christianity Pressured by Islam Lalibela

Early African Empires West: Ghana Strategically located Growth of trade brought wealth Soninke people were main ethnic group

Early African Empires West: Mali King Sunjata built much of this empire Trade brought wealth Mansa Musa Timbuktu Rulers eventually converted to Islam

Early African Empires West: Songhai Founded by Sunni Ali Overrun by Moroccan forces in 1591

Early African Empires Commerce Expansion of Islam Agriculture Gold Production Trans-Saharan Caravan Trade Expansion of Islam Gradually became more influential religion Influence of Islamic scholars

Growth of Trade in East Africa East African Cities Rise of Commercial Cities Several important cities Trade with Asian countries Swahili A common language of trade About 35% comes from Arabic Great Zimbabwe and Kilwa