1. African Trading Civilizations: Ghana, Mali, Songhai

2. African Kingdoms
All major African kingdoms controlled important trade routes and were very advanced long….. before European contact.

3. Ghana, Mali, & Songhai All existed at different times.
All three civilizations prospered due to the Gold and salt trade.
All developed in West Africa
All had artwork which included gold, bronze, and clay sculptures.

4. Empire of Ghana c800-c1100
Eventually converted to Islam. (Cultural Diffusion)
Conquered by Almoravids in the 11th century

5. How does culture diffusion happen?
People move from place to place
Trade
Warfare
Cultural diffusion is the spreading of ideas to new regions.
Examples: Christmas traditions, foods, religions

6. Empire of Mali c1200-c1450 Islamic Kingdom
Rose in power after Ghana’s demise
Greatest leader was Mansa Musa
He expanded the empire to nearly twice the size of Ghana.
Timbuktu became a very prominent “LEARNING CENTER”

7. Mansa Musa Emperor of the kingdom of Mali in Africa.
He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca and established trade routes to the Middle East. (demonstrates what taking place?)

8. Empire of Songhai c1450-c1600 Islamic Kingdom
Songhai came into power as the Empire of Mali weakened
Timbuktu continued to be a great cultural and learning center.
They were conquered by the Moroccans with the use of gunpowder and cannons.

9. Empire of Kush c750BC – 200AD Northeast Africa
Conquered Egypt and ruled large empire for 80 years
Learned to make iron weapons and tools (cultural diffusion)
Used iron ore deposits to support large iron industry
Located along major trade routes.

10. Empire of Axum c200AD-c700AD
Grew in power as the Empire of Kush declined
Blended Arab and African cultures
Present day Ethiopia
Became a Christian Kingdom in 324 AD
Located along major trade routes.

11. In order for towns and cities to develop there must be a surplus of food? Why?
This allows people to specialize in production of different items.
They would then trade these goods for the food they need.

12. In Africa, there is a great diversity of geography
In Africa, there is a great diversity of geography. How did this influence cultural diffusion?
Deserts
Mountains
Rivers
Rain Forests
This made it hard to travel
Led to less cultural diffusion
This led to great cultural diversity