AFRICA600 CE to 1450 CE

CULTURE: NORTH AFRICA

Islam started in the Middle East; however it quickly becomes dominant religion in N. Africa by 661 Islam brought to Africa by Arab traders

(Berbers) on trans-Saharan trade routes Islam came to Sub Saharan Africa shortly after

that because of the Arab slave trade They traded glass, metals, and pottery to the south for

slaves, salt, ivory, and animal skins

CULTURE: SUB-SAHARAMali Replaced gold-trading nation of Ghana (conquered by Muslims in

1076) Located in western Sub Sahara near Niger River Large amount of gold for trade (as well as salt, ivory and slaves) Famous city: Timbuktu (famous for trade) Most powerful ruler was Mansa Musa who famously got Mali to

convert to Islam creating better relations with the Arabs in N. Africa (1312-1337)

Famous work: Sundiata tells the story of the founder of Mali, Sundiata (epic poem like Iliad)

REMEMBER

Mansa Musa the Muslim from Mali went to Mecca

CULTURE: SUB-SAHARA AFRICA

Storytelling Oral Tradition Most famous is Sundiata from Mali

Art BASKETS and SCULPTURES

SOCIAL STRUCTURES: SUB SAHARA AFRICA, 600-1450

Women tended to be 2nd to men However highly valued for work in fields and

producing heirs Respected for storytelling and educating

youth Often matrilineal

Meaning women inherited property Husband moves into wife’s house

POLITICS: SUB SAHARA Kongo and Benin

Most advanced civilizations Bantu descendents

Great Zimbabwe Most important city (1000-1400) Wealthy GOLD AND DIAMONDS Traded with Persia and China Bantu descendents

ECONOMICS: EAST AFRICA

The eastern coast of Africa near India became known as the Swahili Coast

Indian Ocean Trade Network Sold slaves, ivory, gold, salt to places like India

and China Ming Dynasty made several trips to Africa for

trade Cities like Mogadishu, Mombasa, & Zanzibar

mixed Arabs, Asians, Indians, and African culture Lots of Muslims Swahili became language that united all of the

Eastern part of Africa Christianity became popular in Ethiopia

QUESTION

Analyze similarities and differences in the roles played by cities in TWO of the following places between 600 and 1450. Europe East Africa Mesoamerica and Andean America

QUESTION

Analyze similarities and differences between the rise of TWO empire West Africa (Mali or Ghana) Aztecs Mongols

QUESTIONS

The immediate cause of Ghana’s 11th century downfall was A. environmental calamity B. the Crusades C. Muslim Conquest D. takeover by the Portuguese

What did Swahili and Latin have in common during the period between 1000 and 1500? A. They were banned by conquering rulers eager to impose new languages B. They were the most widely used Indo European languages of the time C. They allowed communication between diverse populations D. They both died ou in favor of vernacular languages during these years

Timbuktu was renowned for its A. Gold and role in opposing Arab slave trade B. salt reserves and Islamic Scholarship C. large harbor D. glass and ceramics