Africa Test (History)

Geography's Influence on African Civilizations

Geography, specifically the Sahara desert, acted as a border that influenced the speed of civilization development in Africa.

Swahili Coast Trade

The Swahili coast engaged in trade with regions such as India and China, prospering from their stable economies.

Islam's Impact on North Africa

North Africa, more exposed to Islam, predominantly speaks Arabic today and shares cultural similarities with the Middle East.

Ethiopia and Christian Trade

Ethiopia maintained trade connections with the Roman Empire, leading to isolation after the empire's fall.

Mali's Economic Growth

Mali gained notoriety in wealthy European nations through trade, increasing tax revenue from shipping.

Reliability of Historical Sources

Historians use firsthand and secondhand sources, assessing multiple inputs to correct biases and establish reliability.

Animism

African native religions emphasizing the significance of plants and animals.

King Enza

The fourth-century King of Aksum known for converting Aksum to Christianity.

Solomonic Dynasty

Reigning dynasty in Ethiopia from 1270 to 1974, claiming descent from King Solomon and Queen Sheba.

Lalibela Churches

A group of 11 stone churches in Aksum built by King Lalibela to create a New Jerusalem.

Swahili City-States

Powerful states like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Malindi that traded across the Indian Ocean using monsoon winds.

Great Zimbabwe

A stone city that served as a cultural and economic center, eventually abandoned due to resource depletion.

Great Enclosure

The largest pre-colonial stone wall structure in Great Zimbabwe, housing royals and the wealthy.

Mali Empire

A wealthy West African state founded by Sundiata Keita, famous for its gold reserves and Mansa Musa.

Griots

Traveling poets in Africa who recited and preserved stories, including the legend of Sundiata.

Gold-Salt Trade

The exchange system where North African merchants traded salt for gold from West Africa.

Timbuktu

A city in Mali that was a center of Islamic culture and a significant part of the gold trade.

Ibn Battuta

A traveling historian whose accounts provide valuable firsthand insights into ancient Africa.

Sahara Desert

A massive desert in North Africa known for its gold and salt trade.