1. The Muslim World and Africa (730 B.C.-A.D. 1500)
Lesson 5 Early Civilizations of Africa

2. The Muslim World and Africa (730 B.C.-A.D. 1500)
Lesson 5 Early Civilizations of Africa
Learning Objectives
Understand how geography affected migration, cultural development, and trade in Africa.
Describe the rise and decline of Nubia.
Explain how outside influences led to change in North Africa.

3. The Muslim World and Africa (730 B.C.–A.D. 1500)
Lesson 5 Early Civilizations of Africa
Key Terms
savannas,
Sahara,
cataracts,
desertification
Bantu,
Nubia,
Piankhi
Meroë
Septimius Severus,

4. The Geography of Africa
Africa is the world’s second largest continent, larger than Europe, China, and the United States combined. Its geography is immensely varied, but certain features have had a major impact on its development. Its size and location have contributed to its range of climates, vegetation, and terrains as well as the diverse cultures that developed within Africa.

5. The Geography of Africa
Climate and Vegetation Zones
Geographic Features
Resources and Trade

6. The Geography of Africa
Analyze Maps Africa consists of four major vegetation regions, each of which impacted people living in those areas. Why might people have migrated from the desert into the savannah?

7. The Geography of Africa
Rivers snake through African rain forests, creating a transportation network across much of the continent by which trade flowed among regions.

8. Migration of People and Ideas
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that points to the Great Rift Valley as home to some of the earliest ancestors of modern people. Gradually, their descendants migrated out of Africa and beyond to people in every corner of the Earth.

9. Migration of People and Ideas
Stone Age Cultures
The Bantu Migrations

10. Migration of People and Ideas
At first, trade in the Sahara Desert was hindered by inhospitable conditions, but new forms of transportation, including the use of the camel, revolutionized commerce in the region.

11. Migration of People and Ideas
Make Predictions West African farmers called the Bantu migrated to the south and east between 1000 b.c. and a.d How did local populations react to the influx of Bantu-speaking people?

12. Egypt and Nubia Flourish
While Egyptian civilization was developing along the northern Nile River, another African civilization took shape on a wide band of fertile land of the southern Nile. The ancient kingdom of Nubia, also called Kush, was located in present-day Sudan. Archaeologists and historians have just begun to document the shifting tides of Nubia’s 4,000-year history.

13. Egypt and Nubia Flourish
Nubia and Egypt: Two Great Powers
Nubian Trade and Iron
Splendor and Decline

14. Egypt and Nubia Flourish
Nubians and Egyptians worshiped many of the same gods and goddesses, including Amon, the king of all the gods, who was often depicted as a ram.

15. Egypt and Nubia Flourish
Nubia shared many of the same gods and goddesses with Egypt.

16. North Africa in the Ancient World
Early African civilizations had strong ties to the Mediterranean world. Trade linked Egypt with Greece and Mesopotamia. Later, Egypt was ruled, in turn, by the Greeks and Romans. These powers also knew of the rich civilization that lay south of Egypt and valued Nubian exports. Over time, however, Nubia lost touch with the Mediterranean world.

17. North Africa in the Ancient World
Phoenicians and Carthage
Rome Controls North Africa
Islam Spreads

18. North Africa in the Ancient World
Phoenician traders brought wine, olive oil, and other goods to trade for gold, ivory, and animal skins.

19. North Africa in the Ancient World
Analyze Maps Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all influenced African culture. By looking at the map, what can you generalize about each of the three religions?

20. Quiz: The Geography of Africa
Camels revolutionized trade across the Sahara because
A. they were faster than chariots.
B. they could carry heavy loads and travel miles without water.
C. there was a lack of horses in North Africa.
D. they battled disease better than any other animal.

21. Quiz: Migration of People and Ideas
Desertification influenced African culture and history because
A. it forced people to settle other areas.
B. it created a barrier through which trade could not pass.
C. it allowed people to more densely settle the Sahara.
D. it increased cropland and pastureland in North Africa.

22. Quiz: Egypt and Nubia Flourish
What influence did Egypt have on Nubian society?
A. Nubian society was not influenced at all by Egyptian culture.
B. Nubian society absorbed some aspects of Egyptian culture.
C. Nubian society crumbled under the weight of Egyptian domination.
D. Nubian society was assimilated into Egyptian society and culture.

23. Quiz: North Africa in the Ancient World
Muslim caliphates helped bring prosperity to many African kingdoms by
A. creating a vast trade network to India and China.
B. defeating the Phoenicians in battle for control of North Africa.
C. keeping other religions out of North Africa.
D. absorbing each other’s culture and language.