Pre-Islamic Africa, Islamic Expansion, and West African Kingdoms

What are the primary characteristics of Pre-Islamic African societies?

Diverse societies with political unity difficult due to terrain, primarily Bantu language, oral traditions, and animistic/polytheistic religions.

What types of religious practices were common in Pre-Islamic Africa?

Animistic and polytheistic religions involving rituals, worship of natural forces, dancing, drumming, divination, and sacrifice.

What economic activities were prevalent in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa?

North Africa engaged in Islamic trade routes and Mediterranean trade, while Sub-Saharan Africa focused on agriculture, ironworking, and herding.

What was the significance of salt in Pre-Islamic African trade?

Africans exchanged abundant raw materials, especially salt, for manufactured goods.

What defines 'stateless' societies in Pre-Islamic Africa?

Political organization without centralized power, authority exercised by councils or families, and no full-time rulers.

What were the weaknesses of stateless societies?

Lack of organization for tax collection, ineffective militaries, and difficulty resisting external pressures.

How did Islam spread in Africa between 640-700?

Muslims moved west from Arabia across North Africa, rapidly converting Berbers along pre-existing caravan routes.

What role did the Almoravids and Almohads play in the spread of Islam?

They were ultra-conservative Muslim Berbers who launched jihad against lax Muslims and grew in power during the 11th-12th centuries.

What was the Almohad Caliphate and its duration?

The Almohad Caliphate existed from 1121 to 1269 and was essential for spreading Islam throughout Africa.

What were the Grasslands Kingdoms in West Africa?

Also known as Sudanic States, they included Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, located in the Sahel Grasslands, a trade transition zone.

How did Islam influence the political structure of West African kingdoms?

Islam reinforced ideas of kingship and power, providing rulers with prestige and associating them with great Muslim leaders.

What was the Ghana Empire and its significance?

The first great West African empire, known for trading salt and gold, with rulers converting to Islam while common people retained polytheism.

What characterized the Mali Empire from 1230 to 1600?

It broke away from Ghana, had a wealthy economy based on agriculture and gold trade, and became an Islamized state in the 13th century.

What was the political height of the Ghana Empire?

The political height occurred in the 11th century before being invaded by Almoravid armies in 1076.

What was the relationship between trade and the rise of West African empires?

Trade in gold and salt facilitated the rise of empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, which combined Islamic culture with local practices.

How did the majority of the population in West African kingdoms respond to Islam?

The majority never converted to Islam and retained their polytheistic and animistic beliefs.

What was the significance of the Sahel Grasslands in trade?

The Sahel Grasslands served as a point of exchange between North and Sub-Saharan Africa, especially after gold was discovered.

What was the political strategy of rulers in West African kingdoms regarding Islam?

Rulers sought the political benefits of Islam for prestige and power rather than genuine conversion.

What was the impact of the Almoravid invasion on the Ghana Empire?

The Almoravid armies invaded Ghana in 1076, marking a significant decline in the empire's power.

What were the key features of the Mali Empire's economy?

The Mali Empire's economy was based on agriculture and gold trade, contributing to its wealth.

What was the role of ancestors in Pre-Islamic African religions?

Ancestors were called upon in rituals and were an integral part of the community's cosmology.

What were the internal conflict resolution methods in stateless societies?

Internal problems could be resolved by allowing dissidents to leave and establish new villages.

Who was the founder of the Malinke Empire and what title is he known by?

Sundiata, also known as the 'Lion Prince'.

What significant societal structure did Sundiata implement in the Malinke Empire?

He divided society into clans with different jobs.

What were the major cities of commercial exchange in the Malinke Empire?

Jenne and Timbuktu.

What was Mansa Musa's notable achievement during his reign in 1324?

He made a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.

What impact did Mansa Musa have on the economies of the regions he visited?

He inadvertently devastated economies by distributing gold.

What was the estimated wealth of Mansa Musa?

$400 billion.

Who founded the Songhai Empire and what was his significance?

Sunni Ali, a great military leader who extended rule over the entire Niger River valley.

What was the primary religion practiced by the rulers of the Songhai Empire?

Islam, while the general populace maintained polytheism.

What was the role of Islam in the West African kingdoms?

It provided a universal faith, sense of community, and a strong political/legal system.

What was the Royal Cult in the context of West African kingdoms?

Rulers reinforced their authority through Muslim ideology, acting as both spiritual and political leaders.

What was the significance of the Swahili Coast in East Africa?

It consisted of Islamized trading ports that emerged by the 13th century.

What was the outcome of Ibn Battuta's travels in East Africa?

He referred to the cities he visited as Muslim cities.

What was the Swahili language and how did it develop?

It emerged from a blend of Bantu and Arabic in urbanized trading ports.

What were the major trading centers along the Swahili Coast?

Kilwa, Mogadishu, and Mombasa.

What characterized the class structure in Swahili city-states?

There were sharp class distinctions, with a significant gap between the merchant elite and commoners.

What advantages did Indian Ocean trade have over the Silk Road?

Lower transport costs and the ability to carry bulk goods.

What were the seasonal wind patterns that affected Indian Ocean trade?

Monsoons: summer winds blow NE from SW, winter winds blow SW from NE.

What were the reasons for the Bantu migrations in Central Africa?

Drought, famine, population increase, need for fertile land, tribal conflicts, and disease.

What were some positive outcomes of the Bantu migrations?

Introduction of iron working, new crops like bananas and yams, and centralized government.

What were some negative consequences of the Bantu migrations?

Loss of culture due to absorption and inter-marriage, and some Bantu languages dying out.

What characterized the Kongo civilization?

It was agricultural, had gender division of labor, and family-based villages.

What was the significance of the Christian states in Africa prior to the arrival of Islam?

Christian states existed in North Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia, with rich traditions like Coptic Christianity.

How did the spread of Islam affect Africa between 700-1500 CE?

It brought large areas into the global community through increased contact.

What was the reality of Africa's evolution in relation to Islamic contact?

Most of Africa evolved in regions free of Islamic contact, particularly in Central and Southern Africa.

Who is considered the last prophet of Allah in Islam?

Muhammad

What are the words given to Muhammad that were collected by his followers?

The Qur'an

What is the Hadith in Islam?

Sayings attributed to Muhammad, accounts of his deeds, serving as a guide for interpreting the Qur'an and for social and legal customs.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

The core tenets central to Islam, outlined in the Hadith.

How did Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula?

Through raiding and trading among Bedouin caravans.

What pact did caravans make with Muhammad?

To not raid other Arab groups, which was an act of submission.

What was the role of the caliph in early Islam?

The leader of the Islamic community.

What facilitated the rapid expansion of Islam during the caliphate?

Pilgrimages, trade, and warfare.

What sparked the civil war leading to the Sunni/Shi'ia split?

The murder of the 3rd Caliph in 656.

Who were the main figures in the civil war that led to the Sunni/Shi'ia split?

Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, and Mu'awiya of the Umayyad clan.

What was the position of the Sh'ia regarding leadership in Islam?

Only a direct blood relative or descendant of Muhammad can be a leader.

What is the Sunni perspective on leadership in Islam?

Any devout Muslim can be a leader, promoting tolerance and differing opinions.

When did the Umayyad dynasty exist?

680-750.

Who established the Umayyad dynasty?

Mu'awiya.

Where was the capital of the Umayyad dynasty moved to?

Damascus.

What administrative reforms did the Umayyads implement?

Caliphs appointed governors to rule provinces, financed government through spoils of war, and instituted a three-level tax system.

What was the three-level tax system instituted by the Umayyads?

Muslims paid Zakat, Muslim converts (Mawali) paid a higher tax, and non-Muslims (dhimmis) paid the highest tax (jizya).

What were the marital rights for men and women in early Islam?

Men could have up to 4 wives, while women could have 1 husband.

What legal rights were strengthened for women in early Islam?

Inheritance and divorce rights.

What practice regarding female infants was outlawed in early Islam?

Female infanticide.

Who is considered the first follower of Islam?

Muhammad's wife.

What were the major achievements of the Umayyad Empire?

Ruled a vast empire with important trading cities, developed innovations in canal and irrigation systems, and perfected mosque construction techniques.

What led to the downfall of the Umayyad Empire?

Devout Muslims opposed extravagant lifestyles, Persians resented secondary status, and the Abbasids revolted, leading to Umayyad armies being defeated.

What is al-Andalus?

Al-Andalus is the name for Umayyad Spain, established by Abd al-Rahman after escaping from Damascus.

What was the capital of Umayyad Spain?

The capital was Cordoba.

What characterized the coexistence of Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Umayyad Spain?

They lived in peace and made advancements in literature, medicine, law, and agriculture.

What was Baghdad's significance in the Umayyad Empire?

Baghdad was ideally located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, serving as a crossroads for land and water trade.

Describe the layout of Baghdad.

Baghdad was a circular city protected by a moat and three concentric walls, divided into four quadrants by two highways.

What economic activities were prominent in Baghdad?

Baghdad had arcades filled with shops and markets, and the opening of the Silk Road led to the rise of banking and made it the economic center.

What advancements were made in the Umayyad Empire?

Learned papermaking from the Chinese, complied a standard code of law, developed a banking system with checks, and excelled in medicine, astronomy, math, and chemistry.

What role did women play in the Umayyad Empire?

Women were kept in harems, with concubines having more liberties than wives, and daughters could be married off at the age of 9.

What were the consequences of the lavish lifestyles of the Umayyad leaders?

Their extravagant living contributed to their downfall and inability to maintain control over Dar al-Islam.

What independent states emerged after the Umayyad Empire?

The Fatimids in Sicily, Egypt, and Arabia, and the Seljuk Turks who took over the caliphate.

What is meant by Dar al-Islam?

Dar al-Islam is Arabic for 'house of Islam' and refers to lands under Islamic rule.

What influences did the Umayyad Empire draw from Persia?

Administrative techniques, ideas of kinship, and contributions to language, literature, poetry, and political thought.

What contributions did India make to the Umayyad Empire?

India contributed advancements in mathematics, including Arabic/Hindi numbers, the concept of zero, and algebra.

What influence did Greece have on the Umayyad Empire?

Greece contributed philosophy, science, and medical writings, which were translated into Arabic.

What was the significance of the Silk Road for the Umayyad Empire?

The Silk Road facilitated trade of various goods, enhancing economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

What innovations in navigation and sailing techniques occurred during the Umayyad period?

The Umayyad period saw advancements in navigational and sailing techniques, enhancing maritime trade.

How did the Umayyad Empire contribute to the spread of Islam?

The Umayyad Empire expanded Islam into new regions, including Indonesia.

What was the relationship between Umayyad rulers and their concubines?

Caliphs often spent more time with concubines than with their wives, and concubines had more liberties.

What was the status of poor women in the Umayyad Empire?

Poor women were allowed to work, while upper-class women were generally restricted from employment.

What was the impact of the Abbasid revolt on the Umayyad Empire?

The Abbasid revolt led to the defeat of the Umayyad armies and the establishment of Abbasid rule.