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Overview of Africa

• Africa is divided into 52 nations.

• Represents 1/5 of the Earth's landmass and has a population of about 1.1 billion.

• Birthplace of human species, making it the original homeland of all humans.

• Houses the oldest pieces of art in the world.

• Two distinct historical regions: Northern Africa has strong ties to Europe and Islam; Sub-Saharan Africa developed independently with European contact starting in the late 15th century, culminating in colonization by the 19th century.

Sub-Saharan African Societies

• Many societies were largely stateless and organized based on various systems, including:

  • Lineage-Based Systems: Governed by elders related by ancestry or adoption.

  • Sodalities: Brotherhoods and sisterhoods that influenced decision-making, typically based on age.

  • Chieftaincy: Individual leaders held significant decision-making power.

• Prominent practice of matrilineal descent, especially in West Africa.

• Most historical knowledge comes from Muslim travelers, such as Al-Bakri and Ibn Battuta.

Ibn Battuta

• Moroccan explorer known for extensive travels across the Islamic world, including North Africa and China.

• Spent 30 years traveling, providing valuable writings about the Muslim world in Africa.

Slavery in Africa

• Slavery has historical roots in Africa, not unique to the continent.

• Commonly involved captives from war, debtors, and certain criminals, viewed differently across societies.

Ancient & Medieval Sub-Saharan African States

• Significant states include:

  • Songhai Empire (1460-1591 CE)

  • Kingdom of Nobatia/Faras (300-697 CE)

  • Kingdom of Kush (1069 BCE-350 CE)

  • Mali Empire (1240-1645 CE)

  • Ghana Empire (6-13th Century CE)

• Centralized states thrived with trade, agriculture, and metallurgy.

West African Kingdoms: Ghana, Mali, & Songhai

• These kingdoms existed at different times and thrived due to gold and salt trade.

• Highly developed agricultural practices supported centralized nation-states.

• The Hausa Kingdoms unified through the Hausa language, rulers adopted Islam.

Ancient Ghana

• Located in modern-day Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali, south of the Sahara Desert.

• Important rivers: Gambia, Senegal, and Niger facilitated transportation and trade.

• Capital was Koumbi Saleh, ruled from 300 to 1100 CE.

Fall of Ghana

• Facing pressure from North African Muslims to convert to Islam around 1050 CE.

• Refusal led to attacks, and the Susu broke free from Ghana's control.

• Incorporated into the Mali Empire eventually.

Empire of Mali (c1200-c1450)

• Islamic Kingdom that rose post-Ghana's decline.

• Notable leader: Mansa Musa, expanded the empire and enhanced trade and culture.

• Timbuktu emerged as a prominent center of learning.

Mali’s Culture

• Predominantly Mande peoples with a social caste system including respected farmers.

• Kings embraced Islam without forcing subjects, leading to a blend of traditional beliefs and Islam.

Mansa Musa’s Influence

• Devout Muslim king who based his legal system on the Qur'an.

• Known for his pilgrimage to Mecca, reportedly causing gold devaluation in Egypt.

• Brought back scholars and architects, fostering education and culture in Timbuktu, home to famous Sankore University.

Fall of the Mali Empire

• Post-Mansa Musa, the empire weakened due to internal power struggles and external pressures, notably from Berber groups.

• Transitioned into the rise of the Songhai Empire.

Great Mosque of Djenné

• Significant architectural landmark in the history of Mali and Islamic culture.

Overview of the Songhai Empire

• Existed from 1464 to 1591 as a successor to Mali's rule.

Bantu Migration

• Agriculturalists who spoke various Bantu dialects, originating around the Niger River.

• Migrated into Central Africa and later to East Africa, founding coastal settlements.

• Introduced iron-smelting and farming skills, influencing indigenous tribes.

Swahili Coast

• Commercial cities like Kilwa, Mogadishu, and Mombasa thrived due to trade with Arabia and India.

• Unique culture blending Bantu and Arabic elements.

• Vital trade links formed connections between the African interior and the global market.

Great Zimbabwe

• Established by Bantu-speaking ancestors of modern Shona people between 900 and 1500 CE.

• Part of a trade network, exporting gold and practiced farming and cattle herding.

• Known for the largest pre-colonial structure in Southern Africa.

Ethiopia and Axum

• Axum strategically located with major cities for trade; introduced Christianity in the 300s by King Ezana.

• Unique cultural identity with King Lalibela constructing 11 monolithic churches.

• Ethiopian Christians made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, with cultural influences persisting today.