1.5 Developments In Africa

pempi

A raised platform on which the ruler sits.

shariah

Islamic law that governs the moral and religious conduct of Muslims.

kin-based networks

Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa organized around familial relationships where families governed themselves.

chief

The male head of a kin-based network who mediates conflicts and deals with neighboring groups.

Swahili

A language developed from the blend of Bantu and Arabic, spoken in the African Great Lakes region.

Zanj Rebellion

A series of revolts mounted by enslaved East Africans, known as zanj, against their condition in Mesopotamia between 869 and 883.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful East African kingdom known for its unique stone architecture and wealth derived from agriculture and trade.

Mali

A dominant trading society in West Africa founded in the 12th century, known for its wealth in gold and connections to Islamic culture.

Ghana

An ancient Empire that thrived in West Africa between the 8th and 11th centuries, known for its fortified trade routes and centralized government.

Ethiopia

A Christian kingdom in East Africa that developed from the kingdom of Axum and is known for its unique rock-cut churches.