States and Societies of Sub-Saharan Africa

Flashcards based on key concepts in Chapter 18: States and Societies of Sub-Saharan Africa.

What is the largest hot desert in the world?

The Sahara Desert.

Where did the Bantu People settle

South of the equator

What crop and who introduced it to madagascar

Bananas and the Malay sailors introduced it

What is the significance of bananas in African agriculture?

They are well-adapted to the African climate and serve as a reliable food supply.

What form of governance characterized kin-based societies in Sub-Saharan Africa?

They were ruled by elders and governed mostly through family and kinship.

What were small chiefdoms a response to in Africa after 1000 C.E.?

Increased population pressures and competition.

What is a griot?

A West African storyteller, historian, and musician.

What empire is the story of Sundiata associated with and what is Sundiata’s nickname?

The Mali Empire and The Lion Prince

What were the major languages spoken in the Swahili City-States?

Swahili, a mix of Bantu and Arabic influences.

What did the introduction of Arabian camels revolutionize?

Trade across the Sahara Desert.

How did Mansa Musa impact the Mali Empire?

He enriched the empire and spread Islam through his pilgrimage and construction of mosques.

What led to the decline of the Mali Empire after Mansa Musa?

The empire experienced decline after his rule.

What were the Swahili City-States known for?

Great wealth and trade along the east coast of Africa.

What does the term ‘Zimbabwe’ originally refer to?

Dwelling of the chief. was the wealthiest: stone complex: Great Zimbabwe

What was a key feature of kinship groups in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Land was held communally and not owned privately.

What roles did men typically occupy in early Sub-Saharan African societies?

Men worked in specialized skills like iron work and heavy labor.

What were most slaves in Sub-Saharan Africa traditionally?

Captives of war, debtors, or suspected witches. Caught in war

How did the trans-Saharan trade affect slavery in Africa?

It stimulated the slave trade and created an internal African slave trade.

What was the Zanj Revolt?

A rebellion of 15,000 slaves in 869 C.E. on the Swahili coast. in iraq for sugar platnations and sugar deposits. Was led by Ibn Muhammed

What was a major feature of African religions?

Diversity of belief with a focus on ancestor worship and morality.

Which kingdom was notable for early Christianity in North Africa?

The Kingdom of Axum.

What impact did the Islamic period have on Ethiopian Christianity?

It led to isolation but later a renaissance in the twelfth century C.E.

What unique architectural feature is associated with the Christian Kingdom of Axum?

Massive churches carved out of solid rock.

What are the key aspects of Ethiopian Christianity?

Independent development influenced by African traditions and strong beliefs in the spirit world.

What was the primary basis for wealth and status in sub-Saharan African societies?

Ownership and control over slaves.

What characterized the economies of Sub-Saharan Africa during this period?

Engagement in both agricultural and trade practices.

How did the Bantu people influence the cultures of regions they migrated into?

They spread agriculture and iron metallurgy through their migrations.

What role did elders have in kin-based societies?

They governed and made decisions for the community.

What did the development of small chiefdoms lead to in African history? and give exmaples of small kingdoms

The emergence of small kingdoms like Ife and Benin.