African Civilizations Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Vocabulary Sahara: Largest desert in the world. Northern Africa

Sahel: Southern edge of the Sahara desert

Savanna: Dry grassland plains

Animism: Religion based in spirits (Plants, Animals, Weather)

Djenne-Djeno: West African city on the Niger river

Migration: Moving to a new place

Bantu-Speaking Peoples: Lived in the Savanna south of the Sahara, moved to the southern tip of Africa

Aksum: East African empire that conquered Kingdom of Kush

Diverse Societies in Africa

A Land of Geographic Contrasts

From Deserts to Rain ForestsSahara and Kalahari deserts are largest in Africa

Rain forest is centered around Congo River Basin

From Fertile Farmlands to Grassy PlainsMediterranean Climate is best for growing crops and raising animals

Savannas: cover 3/5ths of continent (Grasslands/little rainfall

Desertification: Process of formerly fertile land becoming desert

Early Humans Adapt to Their Environments

Nomadic LifestyleSome African tribes that live din deserts or rainforests still practice this life style

Agriculture began in African around 10,000 BC on Savannas in the Nile River Valley

Africans Share Common Characteristics

Family is the most important social unit

Clan: Group that shares common ancestors

Animism: Belief that spirits play an important role in daily life

Griots: Storytellers that keep history alive

Early Societies in West Africa

Djenne-DjenoOldest known city in Sub-Sahara Africa (250 BC)

Center of trade on Niger River and camel Routs

The Nok CultureFirst West Africans who smelt iron

Pump oxygen into fires!

Bantu Migration

Massive Migration

Migration: A permanent move from one country or region to another

Causes of MigrationEnvironmental: People move/flee from poor environmental conditions or move to better areas

Economic: People move in search of better jobs/opportunities

Political: People move to avoid persecution or to achieve freedom

Types of Migration

• Push Factor: Something forces people out of a region

Pull Factor: Something attracts people to a new area

Effects of MigrationCultural Diffusion

Clashes between natives and new people

Overpopulation/depopulation

Example of Migration

Bantu Migration: A related tribe of people who migrated out of western Africa into central and southern Africa

Brought iron-making technology and new language to central and southern Africa

Review Questions

1. What is desertification?

2. What is animism?

3. Give one example of a cause for migration, and one example of an effect.

4. What is the difference between push and pull factors of migration?

5. Name one specific effect of the Bantu migration.

C H A P T E R 8 : 3

The Kingdom of Aksum

The Rise of the Kingdom of Aksum

Conquered the Kingdom of Kush Located in the country of Ethiopia (Great Horn)

Important Trading Areas Red sea Indian Ocean Arabian Peninsula

Traces history to King Solomon/Queen Sheba’s sonMiddle Man for Trade between Africa and Middle

East $$$$$ Traded: Salt, rhinoceros horns, tortoise shells, ivory, emeralds

and Gold **Gold + Salt**

An International Culture Develops

Trading CenterMixed culture (Greek, Roman, Egyptian,

Persian, India and Byzantium) Aksum adopts to Christianity!

King EzanaEthiopia is home to millions of devout

Christians even today!! Ark of the Covenant? The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Aksumite Innovations The Fall of Aksum

Terrace farmingMinted coinsCanals, cisterns

Lasted 800 Islamic InvadersIsolated Christians

Surrounded by Muslims

Moved capital to mountains Escape the

Muslim/Islam invasion

Aksum