1. Chapter 15: Societies and Empires in Africa

2. How did Geography and Climate influence development in Africa?
Great variety between regions
Climate
Topography
Landforms

3. North and Central African Societies: Hunting-gathering societies formed close-knit family groups
Oldest in world
Still around
Provide clues about ancient times

4. Hunting-Gathering Societies: Forest Dwellers
Efe people
Republic of the Congo
Small groups of related people
Women gather
Men hunt

5. Hunting-Gathering Societies: Social Structure
Respected older male is group leader
not a chief
Each family makes own decisions-free to come and go

6. Guided Reading: #1 What were the characteristics of hunter gatherer societies?
Semi-nomadic
Few possessions, distinctive hunting techniques

7. Guided Reading: #2 Why were written laws not necessary?
If conflict could not be settled through discussion, then members could move to a different band

8. Stateless Societies near the coast, were based on lineage and extended family ties
What is a lineage?
Family groups based on a common ancestor
Living members
Past generations
Future generations
Strong loyalty

9. Guided Reading: 3. What are characteristics of stateless societies?
balance authority among lineages of equal power
Societies may be
patri-lineal
matri-lineal
Men usually hold positions of authority

10. Guided Reading: #4 What are some advantages of an age-set system?
Young form close ties outside their lineage
taught the duties and responsibilities required at different life stages

11. Muslim Societies developed in North Africa with the spread of Islam in the 600’s-700’s AD
African rulers converted
Based government on Islamic Law (Sharia)
Muslim rulers relied on religious scholars as government advisors

12. Who were the Berbers? Desert, mountain dwellers
Indigenous to N. Africa
Accepted Islam
Maintained Berber Identity
Almoravids and Almohads found empires that united N. Africa

13. What was the main effect of Berber Rule on the region?
Spread N. African culture
United through Islamic teaching
North/South Trade flourished

14. Guided Reading: #5 What are some characteristics of a Muslim theocracy?
Religious leaders are political rulers
Obeying the law is a religious obligation

15. Guided Reading: How did Muslim Law affect individual Islamic States?
Brought stability and order

16. West African Civilizations
While the Almohads and Almoravids were building empires in N. Africa, three powerful empire flourished in West Africa
Arose in the Sahel, the savanna region just south of the Sahara
Grew strong by controlling trade

17. West African Civilizations
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