States and Societies of Sub-Saharan Africa #1

K. Applegate - Imported from Quizlet

What is the second-largest continent in the world?

Africa.

What diverse landscapes can be found in Africa?

Tropical rainforests, savannas, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and coastal regions.

What is the largest hot desert in the world?

The Sahara desert, covering over 3.6 million square miles.

What significant climate change occurred in the Sahara around 5000 BC?

The Sahara changed from a lush environment to a more arid climate.

When were bananas introduced to Africa, and by whom?

Bananas were introduced between 300-500 CE by Malay sailors who colonized Madagascar.

What are some nutritional benefits of bananas?

They are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

How did Arabian camels impact trade in Africa?

They revolutionized trade by enabling travel across the Sahara for 70-90 days, facilitating trans-Saharan trade.

What is 'The Rihla'?

An account of travels by Ibn Battuta.

What was the principal source of slaves in Africa during the ninth century CE?

Africa replaced Eastern Europe as the principal source of slaves.

What is Jenne-jenno known for?

It was a principal commercial crossroads of West Africa.

What were the characteristics of early African migrations?

Bantu-speaking peoples settled south of the equator, spreading agriculture and herding.

What type of societies were prevalent in early Africa?

Kin-based societies that were stateless and segmented, ruled by elders.

What role did griots play in West African society?

They were storytellers, historians, and musicians who preserved oral traditions.

Who was Ali bin Muhammad and what did he do?

He was a slave who led the Zanj Revolt in 869 CE against the Abbasids.

What was the significance of the Kingdom of Kongo?

It was a centralized rule among early Bantu kingdoms and participated actively in trade networks.

What was the capital of the Kingdom of Ghana?

Koumbi-Saleh, which was a principal trading center.

What was the Empire of Mali known for?

It was the wealthiest kingdom in Africa, particularly known for its gold.

Who was Sundiata and what was his contribution to the Empire of Mali?

He was the founder of the Mali Empire and extended its territory over Ghana.

What was Mansa Musa famous for?

He was known as the richest man in history and made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca.

What was the dominant religion in the Empire of Mali?

Islam, which coexisted with animism.

What was the capital of the Songhai Empire?

Gao, which served as a trading center.

Who was Sunni Ali?

The founder of the Songhai Empire in 1464, known for capturing Timbuktu.

What was the significance of the Swahili city-states?

They were important trading centers on the East coast of Africa, exporting gold and importing goods.

What is Great Zimbabwe known for?

It was a powerful kingdom in central Africa, known for its stone complex and trade management.

What is the significance of Axum in terms of religion?

It was known for Ethiopian Christianity, with massive churches carved out of rock.

What was a key feature of the religious beliefs in Axum?

It retained both traditional African beliefs and Christian influences.