2. Trading Empires in Africa
The Sahara isolated the Berber people of North Africa until about 400 B.C.E. when they found a way to cross it into West Africa; trade relationships soon developed between the two regions.
The camel was important to the development of trade because it was well adapted to desert conditions and could travel long distances with little food or water.
Camel caravans and trade merchants from West Africa crossed the Sahara into North Africa carrying gold, ivory, spices, leather, and enslaved people captured in wars.
Salt and gold were the most important traded items.
Trading Empires in Africa

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4. West African Kingdoms
Trade goods such as cloth, weapons, horses, paper, and books were transported by caravan from North Africa to West Africa.
In the 700s, Islam came to Africa through Arab traders exchanging goods with Berbers.
Ghana was an important crossroads location between salt and gold mines; it became the first great trading empire in West Africa in the 400s C.E.
Between 1100 and 1500, Mali became a great trading empire in West Africa, followed by Songhai.

5. While the Kush kingdom thrived along the Nile River, Axum on the Red Sea became a trading center connecting Africa, India, and the Mediterranean.
By the 1300s, traders from Africa’s key ports along the Indian Ocean began to trade with inland states.
An important trading state called Zimbabwe arose in southeastern Africa. It became an important trading state and its empire reached from south of the Zambezi River to the Indian Ocean.
East African Kingdoms

6. Traditional African Religions
Most African societies shared some common religious beliefs, including belief in one creator.
The Ashanti people of Ghana believed in a supreme god whose sons were lesser gods.
Religion provided rules for living and helped people honor their history and ancestors; people believed their religion protected them from harm.
Kings often used diviners to foretell events and protect their kingdoms.

7. African Rulers and Society
African rulers and the common people were not as isolated as in many early civilizations; rulers held meetings in which people could voice concerns.
African kingdoms had strong governments that settled disputes, defended the empire, and controlled trade.
The kingdoms were divided into provinces governed by lesser kings (Ghana) or by generals (Mali).
Songhai’s government developed on the traditions of Ghana and Mali.

8. Islam Arrives in Africa
Islam arrived in West Africa by the late 1400s; much of Africa south of the Sahara converted to Islam. Ibn Battuta visited West Africa in 1352, and wrote about his travels.
Mansa Musa allowed the practice of different religions but used wealth and influence to spread Islam; his pilgrimage to Makkah brought back scholars of Islam.
In Songhai, leaders promoted Islam and converted to the religion to keep the loyalty of merchants.
Islam arrived in East Africa in the A.D. 700s; Swahili developed by blending African and Muslim cultures.