Topic 1.5 - State Building in Africa

Kin-based networks

Families governed themselves

Sub-Saharan

the region of Africa under or south of the Sahara Desert

Hausa Kingdoms

Ethnic group formed seven states in modern day Nigeria before 1000. Loose connection through kinship and each kingdom specialized in particular trade. Benefited from trans-Saharan trade.

Ghana

First known kingdom in sub-Saharan West Africa between the sixth and thirteenth centuries C.E. Also the modern West African country once known as the Gold Coast. gold and salt trade.

Mali

The kingdom in West Africa that followed the Kingdom of Ghana; its wealth is also based on trans-Saharan trade; this kingdom encouraged the spread of Islam.

Great Mosque of Djenne:

Form:

-adobe (clay and straw)

-takes on forms familiar in W. Africa

-raised on a platform (protection from flooding)

Content:

-pier buttressing, torons (types of posts)

-ostrich eggs on top to represent fertility

Function:

-mosque

-south sahara trade, learning, and cultural center

-center of religious and cultural life in Mali and community of Djenne

Context:

-Mali

-found in 1200 CE rebuilt 1906-1907

Mansa Musa

Ruler of Mali (r. 1312-1337). His extravagant pilgrimage through Egypt to Mecca in 1324-1325 established the empire's reputation for wealth in the Mediterranean world.

Timbuktu

Mali trading city that became a center of wealth and learning

Hajj

A pilgrimage to Mecca, performed as a duty by Muslims

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful state in the African interior that apparently emerged from the growing trade in gold to the East African coast; flourished between 1250 and 1350 C.E.

Axum/Ethiopia

Kingdoms of sub-Saharan east Africa based on Christianity

Zanj Rebellion

A series of revolts by slaves against the Abbasid Caliphate working on sugar plantations in Mesopotamia, led by Ali bin Muhammad. One of the most successful slave revolts in history

Griots & Griottes

Professional oral historians who served as keepers of traditions and advisors to kings within the Mali Empire