African Empires, Trade, and Cultural Heritage: Great Zimbabwe, Mali, Songhai, and Ethiopia

What is Great Zimbabwe?

A trading center founded in the 9th century and abandoned in the 15th century.

What does 'dwelling' mean in Bantu?

Zimbabwe

What was the dominant religion in Ethiopia?

Largely Christian.

How does Ethiopia's religion set it apart from other African states?

Africa was dominated by local religions and Islam-Ethiopia was the exception (They were largely christian)

What is a 'monolithic' structure? What is the name of one of the monolithic churches found in Ethiopia

Built “Underground” monolithic churches like the church of St. Geogre

What empire did the Songhai Empire replace?

The Mali Empire.

What was the capital of the Songhai Empire?

Gao.

What were the dates of the Songhai Empire's existence?

c. 1464-1591 CE.

Who founded the Mali Empire?

Sundiata Keita.

What were the dates of the Mali Empire?

1226-1670.

What contributed to the decline of the Mali Empire?

New trade routes opened in rival kingdoms, competition from European trading ships, and civil wars over succession.

What effect does conquest have on the recorded history of a place?

Conquest changes the way history is told and what actually happened.

What problems do historians face without access to pre-colonial sources?

They may not know if texts have bias or if the information is true.

How did the destruction of Mayan records affect historical study?

It limits our understanding of the history and culture of the Maya.

How many city-states made up the Hausa Kingdoms?

Seven city-states with no unifying central power.

What was the title of the king of each Hausa city-state?

Sarkin kasa.

What items were traded in the Hausa Kingdoms?

Gold, ivory, salt, iron, cotton, animals, hides, and slaves.

What were the Bantu migrations?

Migrations of Bantu-speaking peoples that brought agriculture techniques, iron smelting, and language to other parts of Africa.

What is the significance of the Great Enclosure?

It is a walled complex associated with Great Zimbabwe.

What was the center of power in Ethiopia during the Early Solomonic Period?

Rulers claimed descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

What led to the control of most of The Horn of Africa by Ethiopia?

Imperial expansion.

What is the significance of the Trans-Saharan trade routes for the Mali Empire?

They were crucial for the empire's power and wealth.

Who was known for their extreme wealth in the Mali Empire?

Mansa Musa.