Section 5: Africa

Introduction African civilizations-sub-Saharan west and east Africa Trade- economic, cultural, and religious influences States and empires flourished in Africa during the medieval period: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai in west Africa, Axum in east Africa, and Zimbabwe in southeastern Africa

Kush

Location South of Egypt between first cataract and fork of Nile

Adoption of Egyptian culture language religion culture and clothing

Aksum (Axum)

Location Ethiopian Highlands and the Nile River Conquered Kush and northern Ethiopia Located on trade routes

Christian kingdom Religion initially polytheistic with nature spirits Converted to Christianity

Zimbabwe

Location Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and the Indian Ocean coast

Great Zimbabwe City of “Great Zimbabwe”-capital of a prosperous empire-Became economic, political, & religious center Controlled trade routes Adopted Islam

West African Kingdoms

Introduction Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires (Niger River and the Sahara) gold and salt (trans-Saharan trade)

Ghana

Location Central western Africa-North of Niger river and South of Saharan desert

Gold for Salt trade Gold (between Niger and Senegal rivers) Salt (region lacked salt) from Saharan desert Established trans-Saharan trade routes from North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa

Islamic influences Spread – through trade Conversion-rulers and upper class converted

Polytheistic Beliefs animism – spirits living in plants, animals, & natural forces influenced daily life observed by lower classes

Mali

Location South of Sahara, Southern border both sides of Niger river

Gold-salt trade Mali built wealth on gold and found new deposits to the east

Mansa Musa Controlled salt trade Divided empire into provinces and appointed governors

Effects of Hajj Mansa Musa went on Hajj spread Islam throughout region

Timbuktu became important city center of trade and learning

Songhai

Location South of Saharan desert, Southern border both sides of Niger river, Furthest east along Niger river

Gold for salt trade Continued trade and spread of Islam across Sahara

Directions: Draw the table below in your notes and fill it in Kush Aksum Zimbabwe Ghana Mali Songhai Location Religion Trade