1. Kingdoms of Central and Southern Africa
History Alive

2. The Bantu Migrations Bantu Origins
Originated in West Africa – part of the Nok
After 500 B.C.E., iron technology allowed for increase food production and population
Migrated to central and southern Africa in three waves, between 500 B.C.E. – 1500 C.E.

3. The Bantu Migrations Bantu Society
Economy based on hunting, fishing, and farming
In most, basic unit was household, or family
Lived in villages of families
Gender roles clearly defined (matrilineal)
Age grades defined specific responsibilities
Village council of the elders made decisions

4. The Kongo Kingdom How My Kingdom Came to Power
migrated to Congo River basin
Kongo natives easily assimilated Bantu lifestyle
Two Bantu clans united to form Kongo kingdom

5. The Kongo Kingdom Reasons Why We’re Concerned
Portuguese greed sours trade relationship
Rival African states ally with the Portuguese to raid Kongo for slaves.

6. The Kongo Kingdom Reason’s Why We, the Portuguese, Came to the Kongo
Missionaries converted people of the Kongo to Christianity
Traders traded European and asian goods for sugar, copper, and skins

7. The Kongo Kingdom Sources of Our Kingdom’s Strength
Waterways provide abundance of fish
Farmers grow and collect several crops
Animals are hunted for meat and hides
Taxes on trade goods are paid to the king’s treasury

8. Great Zimbabwe: Monument to the Zimbabwe State
The Shona Build Zimbabwe
Developed economy based on pastoral agriculture
Mastered iron making and mined great quanities of gold
Engaged in trade with coastal cities and taxed visiting traders
Built Great Zimbabwe, capital city, as sign of the state’s prestige

9. Great Zimbabwe: Monument to the Zimbabwe State
Ruins of the Magnificent Palace: The temple at great Zimbabwe
Cone-shaped tower 115 feet high
King’s dwellings, huts shrines, granaries…
Surrounding wall:
820 feet long
16 feet thick
30 feet high
Gateways marked with carved birds

10. Great Zimbabwe: Monument to the Zimbabwe State
Zimbabwe’s Decline
Great Zimbabwe was abandoned after 1450
Some provinces of Zimbabwe state declare independence
Monomutapa Empire replaced Zimbabwe as dominant power
Portuguese greed for slaves and gold destroyed Monomutapa

11. The Swahili Coastal Trading States
Independent City-States
Most important city-states: Mogadishu, Malindi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Kilwa, and Sofala
Each on e ruled by an emir or sultan
Rulers were supported by an elaborate an well-educated bureaucracy

12. The Swahili Coastal Trading States
Swahili Culture
Bantu-speaking Africans converted to Islam; intermarried with Muslim traders
Swahili language combined Bantu, Arabic, and Indian
Architecture, food, dress, farming, and government reflected combined African and Arabic styles

13. The Swahili Coastal Trading States
Geography’s Role in trade
Sailors took advantage of monsoons to travel between China and East Africa
Kilwa’s deep and large harbor could hold the world’s largest ships

14. The Swahili Coastal Trading States
Europeans sought to become a dominant trading power in East Africa
Arabs and Persians brought increase, glass, pearls, fabric, and Muslim culture
Chinese brought porcelain, silk, and jade
Indians brought spices, rice, and cotton cloth (textiles)

15. European Intervention and the Story of Queen Nzinga
Wanted safe harbors for long voyages to Asia
Desired to establish trade bases in Africa
Later, wanted to monopolize trade
Increasingly traded for slaves

16. European Intervention and the Story of Queen Nzinga
African Responses
States competed to win favor and trade advantages from Europeans
Leaders had to satisfy European demands for slaves or become targets for slave raiders
Some villages raided each other for slaves to sell to the Europeans
Many Africans chose to resist and fight

17. European Intervention and the Story of Queen Nzinga
Nzinga Challenges European Control
Portuguese gained political control of the Mbundu people through war
Nzinga replaced her brother as leader of the Mbunda

18. European Intervention and the Story of Queen Nzinga
Nzinga Challenges European Control (con’t)
To gain independence for her people, Nzinga:
Met with the Portuguese governor to negotiate for independence for her people
Fought with and against Europeans and other Africans during her 41 year reign
Nzinga was forced to retreat to hills where she became queen of the Matamba state
Nzinga is remembered as a brilliant military leader, shred diplomat, and fierce patriot