AP African Unit 1 Main Focus Terms

Black Campus Movement

1965–1972; A nationwide movement demanding greater opportunities to study Black history and experiences, as well as greater support for Black students, faculty, and administrators. The movement involved sit-ins, strikes, and negotiations.

African Geography

Africa is the second-largest continent and is geographically diverse, with five primary climate zones: desert, semiarid, savannah grasslands, tropical rainforests, and a Mediterranean zone.

Bantu Expansion

1500 BCE–500 CE; The migrations of Bantu-language speakers throughout the African continent. The spread of Bantu languages and cultures was aided by ironworking and the use of iron tools.

King Ezana

4th century CE; King of Aksum who oversaw the adoption of Christianity, making Aksum the first African society to adopt Christianity.

Aksum

Around 100 BCE onward; Eastern Africa, present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia. Aksum was an empire connected to major maritime trade networks through the Red Sea and became the first African society to adopt Christianity.

Mansa Musa

14th century CE; Mali Empire, West Africa. Mansa Musa was the ruler of Mali and was known for his wealth and influence. He is depicted in the Catalan Atlas wearing a gold crown and holding a gold orb.

Catalan Atlas

1375; Created by a Spanish cartographer, the Catalan Atlas depicts Mansa Musa and details the wealth and influence of the Mali Empire. It also conveys the influence of Islam on West African societies.

Griots

West Africa; Griots were prestigious historians, storytellers, and musicians who preserved and shared history, traditions, genealogies, and cultural practices through oral tradition. The profession was hereditary and included both women and men.

Sudanic Empires of West Africa

West Africa; Complex African societies that developed in the Sahel and savannah regions. The Sudanic empires were among the early complex societies that contributed significantly to Africa's historical legacy.

Great Zimbabwe

Southern Africa; Great Zimbabwe was renowned for its impressive stone architecture and served as a central hub for long-distance trade and strategic military defense. The Great Enclosure was a focal point for administrative and religious life.

Indian Ocean Trade

Africa and the Indian Ocean region; Trade networks connected African societies with other regions through the Indian Ocean. African goods traded included gold, iron, copper, ivory, cotton cloth, pottery, tortoise shells, timber, incense, spices, rock crystal, salt, grain and rice, and hardwoods.

Swahili Coast

East Africa; The Swahili Coast was part of the Indian Ocean trading network connecting African societies with broader global trade. Its location along the Indian Ocean supported connections between Africa and other regions.

Kingdom of Kongo

15th century onward; West Central Africa. The Kingdom of Kongo was a well-organized state with a centralized government, structured society, and a defined ruler, the king. Portuguese explorers encountered Kongo in the 15th century and were impressed by its trade systems and wealth.

Queen Nzinga (Njinga)

Early 17th century; Ndongo and Matamba, present-day Angola. Queen Njinga became queen of Ndongo and Matamba and fought to maintain sovereignty and control, including through decades of guerrilla warfare against the Portuguese.

Queen Idia

Late 15th century; Kingdom of Benin, present-day Nigeria. Queen Idia was the first iyoba (queen mother) and served as a political advisor to her son, the king. She was credited with political and mystical support and became a symbol of Black women's leadership throughout the African diaspora.

African Diaspora

The dispersal of Africans and their descendants throughout the world, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Africa remains the ancestral origin of the African diaspora.