Africa

Savanna

Africa’s largest most populated climate zone or grassy plain.

surplus

excess food that they produced.

Commodity

valuable product salt.

Mansas

kings that expanded their influence over both gold mining regions to the south and sault supplies of Taghaza.

Patrilineal

Important kinship ties and inheritance were passed through the fathers side.

Matrilineal

Inheritance traced through the mothers side.

Lineage

a group of households who claimed a common ancestor.

Griots

In west Africa professional poets recited ancient stories.

Oba

A king was both political and religious leader.

Men dug _________ from pits in Ghana, Nigeria

Men dug _________ from pits in Ghana, Nigeria

gold-bearing soil

In the savanna, ____________ is scarce. It was

abundant, however in the Sahara.

Why was it in such demand?

In the savanna, salt is scarce. It was abundant, however, in the Sahara.

Why was it in such demand?
Salt was needed to prevent dehydration, especially in hot climates, and it was essential for health and food preservation.

Sahara _____ Flats

Salt

Ghana is located on a union of the _________ and Niger Rivers.

Senegal

What does Ghana mean

land of gold

How did the King make his money?

The king made his money by taxing all goods that entered and left the kingdom, especially gold and salt traded along the trade routes.

__________ merchants settled in and spread their faith. The King

employed Muslim advisors and adopted military technology.

Muslim

Around 1050, the ________________, devout Muslims from the

north, overran Ghana, but were unable to maintain control.

Almoravids

Sundiata

• Founder of the Mali Empire

• Defeated Sumanguru

• United the Mandé people

• Took control of gold trade routes

• Known as a strong, fair leader

Sundiata vs. Sumanguru

• King of the Soso people

• Enemy of Sundiata

• Ruled harshly and used fear

• Controlled Mali before Sundiata’s rise

• Defeated at the Battle of Kirina (1235)

• Sundiata’s victory over Sumanguru led to the rise of the Mali Empire

• Mali replaced Ghana as the most powerful kingdom in West Africa

Mali means_________________________

_________________ = King

Mali means: “where the king dwells”

Mansa = King

The greatest Malian King was ______________

he expanded the borders to the Atlantic and

northward.

Mansa Musa

Located on a bend in the _______ River.

Niger

________ ______, the soldier-king built the largest kingdom that

ever existed in West Africa, Songhai.

Sunni Ali

After Sonni Ali's death, he was

succeeded by

__________________

Set Songhai up as a __________ kingdom.

After Sonni Ali's death, he was succeeded by Askia Muhammad.

He set Songhai up as a Muslim kingdom.

Askia Muhammad's court

was located in ___.

Gao

European depiction of Timbuktu

A European depiction of Timbuktu would typically show it as a distant, exotic, and wealthy city, often emphasizing its sandstone buildings, mosques, and bustling trade markets. Europeans in the Middle Ages and Renaissance often imagined Timbuktu as a city of immense riches and learning, though many depictions were based more on travelers’ stories than firsthand observation.

The _______ people built clay walled cities.

Hausa

Kano had 14 Miles of wall & 30,000 residents

Kano, a major Hausa city, was famous for its 14 miles of walls and had around 30,000 residents at its peak.It was a key center of trade, craftsmanship, and Islamic learning in West Africa.

Hausa

The Hausa are a West African ethnic group primarily located in modern-day Nigeria and Niger.

• They built clay-walled cities like Kano, Katsina, and Zaria.

• Known for trade, craftsmanship, and skilled artisans.

• Many Hausa cities were organized as city-states, each with its own ruler.

They played a central role in trans-Saharan trade, exchanging goods like leather, cloth, and grains.

Zazzau & Kano

Kano:

• Famous for its 14 miles of clay walls.

• Had around 30,000 residents at its peak.

• Major center for trade, crafts, and Islamic learning.

Zazzau (also called Zaria):

• Another prominent Hausa city-state.

• Known for agriculture and trade.

Played a key role in the Hausa city-state network.

Both were part of the Hausa trading and political system that connected West Africa to trans-Saharan trade routes.

slash and burn agriculture

Most farming peoples practiced this method The "burning slash method sum" refers to managing woody debris (slash) from logging or land clearing by piling and burning it to reduce wildfire fuel, improve forest health, or clear land

Nuclear family

This was typical and with parents and children living and working together as a unit.

Desertification

when climate slowly starts to dry out and land became pached so dessert started to spread.

Outposts

Distant military stations.

Rain forests only makeup about ___% of Africa.

less than 5%

The rainforest is unsuitable for farming because:

Thick trees and roots make rain forests hard for farming.

2nd Largest continent It covers ____% of the world's surface.

1/5

Africa's largest and most populated climate zone is the:

Savanna

The savanna suffers from irregular rainfall it can have:

Droughts and tsetse flies.

Tsetse fly

Infects people and cattle with a sleeping sickness (like their in coma)

Africa Has major deserts to the north and south...that include

_____________, _________________ & _______________.

Sahara (largest desert), Kalahari and Namib.

Barriers to Movement of Goods, People and Ideas

Despite barriers people migrated using Great Rift Valley as a travel corridor rivers for inland navigation

Neolithic Cave Paintings in Chad

Proof of ____________________.

Bantu Migrations

Capital of Kush

Meroe

Slag in Meroe...How wealth became the downfall of Nubia brad

Roman Ruins in Tunisia

Romans build roads, aqueducts, dams, and cities north Africa became major food supplier for Rome, Christianity spread St Augustine was a major Christian thinker.

What made movement HARD (barriers)

The text says Africa had geographic features that blocked easy movement:

• Deserts & rain forests → hard to cross

• Few good natural harbors → ships couldn’t easily stop along the coast

• High plateau in the interior → land is raised, harder to travel

• Rivers near the coast have rapids & waterfalls → boats couldn’t travel smoothly from the coast inland

👉 Big idea: These features made it hard for people and goods to move between the coast and the interior.

What made movement POSSIBLE (paths)

Even with those barriers, people still migrated and traded because of certain routes:

• Great Rift Valley → acted like a natural travel corridor through East Africa

• Some interior rivers → were navigable (boats could travel on them)

• Red Sea & Indian Ocean → connected East Africa to the Middle East and Asia

• Mediterranean Sea → connected North Africa to Europe

👉 Big idea: Certain land and water routes helped people move within Africa and outside Africa.

The mineral resources

This lead trade and it among varies Sault, Gold, Iron, and copper which was valuable to early trade and later on diamonds and oil would gain importance.

Migrations on people

First people on earth to the earliest of people was Africa and we have evidence on this based off of a place in Africa called Great Rift Valley.

Cattle Hearding

Lots of people used to heard Cattles people from the place of Kenya were the best hunters if it because they had the natural build to run the best and that’s why they got food so now Kenya is like one of the top people in running when it comes to sports.

Camels

They can carry loads of 500 pounds and could plod 20-30 miles

Benin was ruled by an ________ = king.

Oba

Trade Routes of East Africa

The Trade Routes of East Africa were part of the Indian Ocean trade network and connected East African coastal cities to Africa, the Middle East, India, and even China.

• Major coastal cities (Swahili city-states): Kilwa, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Sofala.

• Goods exported from East Africa: gold, ivory, slaves, timber, and animal skins.

• Goods imported: textiles, beads, porcelain, spices, and other luxury items.

• Cultural impact: Spread of Islam, development of the Swahili language (a mix of Bantu and Arabic), and growth of wealthy city-states.

Routes: Traders used monsoon winds to sail across the Indian Ocean and connected inland trade via rivers and caravan routes to the interior.

The Hausa ruler, Queen ____________of Zaria

conquered Kano and expanded Zaria and

dominated Saharan trade routes.

Amina

Hunter/ Gatherer

Communities

Live in _____________

bands of about 20 or 30.

Why?

Hunter–Gatherer Communities

Live in small bands of about 20–30 people.

Why?

• Food sources (plants and animals) are spread out, so smaller groups are easier to feed

• They had to move often to follow animals and seasonal plants

• Smaller groups were more flexible and cooperative, making survival easier

Hunter/ Gatherer Communities Live in _____________ bands of about 20 or 30. Why?

Hunter–Gatherer Communities

Live in small bands of about 20–30 people.

Why?

• Food sources (plants and animals) are spread out, so smaller groups are easier to feed

• They had to move often to follow animals and seasonal plants

• Smaller groups were more flexible and cooperative, making survival easier

Cattle Herding Often nomadic, they had to protect their herds through perfecting their skills in _____________________.

Cattle Herding

Often nomadic, they had to protect their herds through perfecting
their skills in warfare (or fighting / combat).

👉 This means they became very skilled at defending themselves and their animals from enemies and raiders.

If your teacher wants a slightly longer answer, you could also write:
“warfare and military skills.”

Settled Farming Societies

Settled Farming Societies

• Lived in permanent settlements

• Grew crops and domesticated animals

• Had more reliable food supplies

• Population increased

• Developed villages, towns, and cities

• Allowed for job specialization (farmers, builders, rulers, priests)

________________ And __________________ Agriculture How did it work?

Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

How did it work?

• Farmers cut down (slash) trees and plants

• Then they burned what was cut

• The ashes made the soil fertile

• Crops were grown for a few years

• When the soil lost nutrients, farmers moved to a new area and repeated the process

Nuclear Vs. Extended Families Which was better suited for which lifestyle? Hunter/Gatherer: Agricultural:

Nuclear vs. Extended Families

Which was better suited for which lifestyle?

Hunter–Gatherer:
➡ Nuclear families

• Small, mobile groups

• Easier to move and find food

• Less responsibility for large family networks

Agricultural:
➡ Extended families

• Lived in one place

• More people to farm, harvest, and care for animals

• Shared labor and protection

• Helped pass down land and traditions

Age Set (Grade) System:

Age-Set (Grade) System

• A way of organizing society by age groups

• People born around the same time belonged to the same age set

• Each age set had specific roles, duties, and responsibilities

• As people aged, they moved together into the next grade

• Common in pastoral (herding) and some agricultural societies

Age-Grade Initiation

Age-Grade Initiation

• A ceremony or ritual that marked entry into a new age grade

• Signaled the transition from childhood to adulthood (or another life stage)

• Gave individuals new rights, duties, and responsibilities

• Often included tests, training, or rituals to prepare members for their new role

Describe traditional religions in Africa:

Traditional Religions in Africa

• Polytheistic: Belief in many gods or spirits connected to nature and ancestors

• Ancestor worship: Honoring and seeking guidance from ancestors

• Spirits and natural forces: Belief that rivers, trees, mountains, and animals have spiritual significance

• Rituals and ceremonies: Used to connect with spirits, ask for protection, or ensure good harvests

• Oral traditions: Stories, proverbs, and songs passed down to teach values and history

• Community-focused: Religion was often part of daily life and social structure

Griot

• A storyteller, historian, and musician in African societies

• Passed down history, traditions, and culture orally from generation to generation

• Served as a teacher, advisor, and keeper of community memory

• Important in West African kingdoms like Mali and Ghana

Kora

• A traditional West African musical instrument

• Looks like a large, 21-stringed harp-lute

• Played by griots to accompany storytelling, praise, and historical songs

• Produces a soft, melodic sound used in ceremonies and oral history performances

King _______ , claimed to be descended by the Queen of Sheba, conquered __________ in AD 350.

King Ezana, claimed to be descended from the Queen of Sheba,
conquered Aksum in AD 350.

✅ Ezana was the ruler of the Aksumite Kingdom (in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea) and is known for converting to Christianity.

Axum profited from its strategic location. Why?

Axum profited from its strategic location because:

• It was located near the Red Sea, giving access to major trade routes between Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean

• Traders could easily export goods like ivory, gold, and frankincense

• It became a hub for merchants and cultural exchange

• Its location allowed Axum to control and tax trade, increasing wealth and power

In short: Axum’s location made it a key center for international trade.

In 300, King __________ converted. Brought _______________ to Axum. Previously, it was mostly Jewish.

In 300, King Ezana converted.
Brought Christianity to Axum.
Previously, it was mostly Jewish.

Why did Islam pass Ethiopia by?

• Ethiopia was already a strong Christian kingdom under King Ezana

• It had mountains and natural barriers that made invasion difficult

• Early Muslim traders and missionaries did not find it necessary to conquer, as the kingdom was stable and organized

• Ethiopia maintained peaceful trade relations with surrounding regions instead

In short: Ethiopia’s strong Christian kingdom and geography kept Islam from taking over.

In the 1200 King _____________ had a heavenly vision that commanded him build churches by hand out of solid rock.

In the 1200s, King Lalibela had a heavenly vision that commanded him to build churches by hand out of solid rock.

Coptic priest carrying Tabot(Tabut)

• Tabot (or Tabut): A sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant

• Coptic priest: Carries the Tabot during religious ceremonies and processions

• Symbolizes God’s presence in the church

• Central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian rituals, especially during Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations

Timkat (Epiphany) January 6....celebrates visit by Magi.

• elebrated on January 6 in Ethiopia

• Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan

• Also celebrates the visit of the Magi (wise men) bringing gifts to Jesus

• Involves processions, prayers, and blessings of water

• Tabots are carried from churches in a festive parade

Falasha Village

• Home to the Beta Israel, Ethiopia’s Jewish community

• Practiced Judaism long before Christianity became dominant in the region

• Lived in rural villages, maintaining traditional Jewish customs

• Known for religious rituals, dietary laws, and festivals distinct from the Christian majority

Zanzibar

• An island off the east coast of Africa (modern-day Tanzania)

• Major trading hub for spices, gold, and slaves

• Influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and African cultures

• Center of Swahili culture and Islamic learning

• Famous for Stone Town, a historic city with unique architecture

Traders took advantage of _________ to sail the Indian ocean.

Traders took advantage of monsoon winds to sail the Indian Ocean.

• Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that change direction between summer and winter

• Allowed ships to travel faster and more reliably between Africa, Arabia, India, and Southeast Asia

• Made long-distance trade of gold, ivory, spices, and textiles possible

Coastal villages developed into seaports.

• Small fishing or trading villages along the coast grew as trade increased

• Access to the Indian Ocean allowed merchants to import and export goods

• Became centers of commerce, culture, and interaction between Africans, Arabs, Persians, and Indians

• Examples include Mombasa, Kilwa, and Zanzibar

These product were often purchased with ____________ which were used as currency.

• Cowrie shells were widely recognized and valued across Africa and the Indian Ocean trade networks

• Used to buy goods like gold, ivory, and spices

• Made trade simpler and more standardized

Imported into Africa

• Goods brought from other regions through trade

• Examples:

  • Textiles (cotton, silk) from India and the Middle East

  • Spices from India and Southeast Asia

  • Glassware and beads from the Middle East

  • Ceramics and porcelain from China

• Helped enrich African societies and influenced culture, art, and technology

Kilwa

• A city-state on the East African coast (modern-day Tanzania)

• Became one of the richest and most powerful trading centers in the Indian Ocean

• Traded gold, ivory, and slaves for textiles, beads, and porcelain

• Influenced by Swahili culture and Islamic architecture

• Wealth came from control of trade along the coast and nearby inland gold mines

Connection to trade in India?

• Kilwa and other East African coastal cities traded gold, ivory, and slaves with Indian merchants

• In return, they received textiles, beads, spices, and other goods from India

• Trade was made possible by monsoon winds across the Indian Ocean

• Strengthened cultural exchange, spreading language, religion (Islam), and technology

______________ visited Kilwa and believed it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Ibn Battuta visited Kilwa and believed it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

• Ibn Battuta was a famous Moroccan traveler and scholar

• Traveled across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in the 14th century

• Documented wealth, architecture, and culture of cities like Kilwa

Kilwa merchants lived in great luxury.

They profited from Indian Ocean trade, exporting gold, ivory, and slaves, and importing textiles, beads, and porcelain.

Kilwa Fort

• A fortress on the island of Kilwa (off the East African coast, modern-day Tanzania)

• Built in the 16th century by the Portuguese to control trade and protect the city

• Later used by local rulers to maintain authority over the region

• Symbol of Kilwa’s importance as a trading hub in the Indian Ocean

• Features defensive walls, gates, and cannons overlooking the sea

____________ blended with Bantu to create_____________

Arab traders blended with Bantu people to create Swahili culture.

Gold came from the interior of southern Africa. The Shona people built a city which became an empire built on gold called: _______________

Gold came from the interior of southern Africa. The Shona people built a city which became an empire built on gold called:

• Great Zimbabwe

The Shona picked the area between which 2 rivers?

• Between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers

• They made their fortune by controlling and trading gold with coastal merchants

The city of Great Zimbabwe was the political, religious and economic center of the empire.....then it was abandoned. Why?

• Likely reasons: overpopulation, depletion of resources, trade route shifts, or political instability