Unit 1, Part 2 - Orgins of African Diaspra

Where did the Great Zimbabwe flourish?

Southern Africa

When did the Great Zimbabwe flourish?

12th- 15th century

Zimbabwe = Bantu word for…

dwelling

What was the Kingdom linked to?

Trade on Swahili Coast & it’s inhabitants

Shona people became wealthy from…

gold, ivory, and cattle resources

Great Zimbabwe is best known for..

large stone architecture

What did the architecture do?

• offered military defense

• hub for long distance trade

where does swahili coast get it’s name?

Arabic word for coast

how far does the swahili coast stretch?

Somalia to Mozambique

What did the location of the city states do

linked Africa’s interior to Arab, Persian, Indian, and Chinese trading communities

How did the Swahili coast city states unite?

through shared language (Bantu) and shared religion (Islam)

What did the strength of the trading states do

Garnered Portuguese attention

What did the Portuguese do in 16th century

invade major city states to take control of Indian Ocean trade

What was the great enclosure

site for religious and administrative activities.

What did the Concical Tower serve as?

Granary

What do stone ruins symbolize

prominence, autonomy, agricultural advancements of Shona Kings and societies like Great Zimbabwe

What happened by the year 1500

European nations like Portugal seeking new resources and trade routes

What does the King of Kong do in 1491?

Converts to Christianity w/ son

What does king of kongo’s religious conversion do?

• gives alliance with Europe

• Grant protection over Empire

In what ways did Kongo’s trade strengthen w/ Portugal

• gave massive wealth

• traded: copper, salt, ivory, textiles

Why is there a massive acceptance of Christianity

Not tied to foreign occupation

Syncretism

A distinct form of African Christianity, keeping many local traditions

What is a result of the political ties to Europe?

demand access to trade of slaves

What percent of Africans were taken to US from this region of West Central Africa?

25%

What was the largest source of the Atlantic Slave Trade

Kongo

What were Kongo Nobles unable to do?

limit number of captives sold, due to military threats