Africa

Africa Early Civilizations of Africa Influence of geography Geographic patterns Vegetation affects where and how people live Deserts, rainforests, interior plateau, and cataracts (waterfalls) hinder travel and trade Great Rift Valley and Mediterranean and Red Seas aid travel and trade Resources spur trade Salt, gold, iron, and copper encourage trade and bring wealth Camels increase trade across the Sahara

Africa Outside influences Strong ties to overseas regions Carthage dominates trade until defeat by Rome Rome spreads Christianity through North Africa Muslims conquer North Africa Christianity to Islam Latin to Arabic

Africa West Africa Trade in the Sahara People become farmers, develop a surplus, and begin to trade West Africans trade leather goods, kola nuts, cotton cloth, and slaves North Africans trade silk, metal, beads, and horses Cities develop along trade routes; monarchs create powerful kingdoms Gold and salt dominate trade Gold found in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal Salt found in the central Sahara Dietary need Food preservation 1lb. of gold for 1lb. of salt

Africa Medieval African Societies Family Patterns Nuclear and extended family units Patrilineal and matrilineal kinship Families belong to a lineage- a group of people who claim a common ancestor, and a clan

Africa Government Chief or group of elders make the decisions Decisions made by consensus, general agreement Villages in a large kingdom obeyed distant, central government Limited power Kongo King chosen by electors and had to follow traditional laws Local chiefs have power

Africa Religion Varied and complex with many gods and goddesses Islam and Christianity spread Absorbed local beliefs and customs Many believed in single, supreme being Honored ancestors