Studied by 0 people
Interdisciplinary approach
Combines multiple academic disciplines for analysis.
Misleading notions
Incorrect beliefs about African history and culture.
Birthplace of humanity
Africa is considered the origin of all humans.
Geographically diverse
Varied landscapes and environments across Africa.
Climate zones
Different climatic regions affecting habitation and agriculture.
Sahara
People were nomadic and traded salt. Largest hot desert in the world, located in Africa.
Sahel
People traded livestock and camels. Semi-arid region between the Sahara and savannas. Partially home to Ghana Mali and Songhai.
Savanna grasslands
Bantu descendants cultivated grain and did iron work. Tropical grasslands with scattered trees, rich biodiversity. Partially home to Ghana Mali and Songhai.
Niger River
Major river in West Africa, vital for trade.
Congo River
Second longest river in Africa, crucial for transport.
Nile River
Longest river in the world, essential for agriculture.
Domestication
Process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use.
Nomadic
Lifestyle characterized by moving from place to place.
Kola trees and yams
Important crops in West African agriculture.
Bantu Expansion
Migration of Bantu-speaking peoples across Africa.
Bantu linguistic family
Group of languages spoken by Bantu peoples.
African ethnolinguistic diversity
Variety of ethnic groups and languages in Africa.
Complex societies
Advanced societal structures with governance and economy.
Nubia
Ancient region along the Nile, south of Egypt.
25th dynasty of Black Pharaohs
Period of African rule in ancient Egypt.
Aksumite Empire
Ancient empire known for trade and Christianity.
Maritime trade
Trade conducted via sea routes.
Ge'ez
Ancient language of Ethiopia, still used in liturgy.
Nok
Culture known for terracotta sculptures in Nigeria.
Timbuktu
Historical center of trade and learning in Mali.
Griots
Traditional storytellers and oral historians in West Africa.
Syncretic religious practice
Blending of different religious beliefs and practices.
Islam in Mali and Songhai
Major religion influencing culture and governance.
Christianity in Kongo
Significant religion with local adaptations.
Veneration of the ancestors
Respect and honoring of deceased family members.
Divination
Spiritual practice to foresee future events.
Voodoo
Religion combining African traditions with Caribbean influences.
Great Zimbabwe
Ancient city known for its stone architecture.
Swahili Coast trade
Trade network connecting Africa with Indian Ocean.
Portuguese invasion (16th cent)
Colonial expansion impacting African societies.
Gold Trade
Economic exchange centered around gold resources.
Racialized slavery
Systematic enslavement based on racial identity.
Extended kinship ties
Broad family connections influencing social structures.
Queen Njinga of Ndongo
Famous leader resisting Portuguese colonization.
Tropical rain forests
People traded kola trees/nuts, yams, and gold
Sudanic Empires
Ghana, Mali, Songhai, prospered from long distance trade. Located in between the Sahara and Sudanian Savanah.
