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Introduction to Ancient Civilizations

• Overview of ancient civilizations in three main regions: Africa, America, and the Pacific islands.

African Civilizations

Vegetation and Geography

• Africa features diverse vegetation types:

  • Rainforests: Near the equator, characterized by abundant rainfall and large trees.

  • Savannahs: Vast grasslands with scattered trees found at the rainforest edges.

  • Sahara Desert: Largest desert in the world, with oases that support life.

Trade and Prosperity

• Trans-Saharan Trade (3000 BCE):

  • Flourishing trade between North Africa and West Sudan.

  • Nomadic traders used caravans, predominantly involving camels, to transport goods.

Major Civilizations

• Egypt: First hub of civilization in Africa.

• Axum: Major trading center in present-day Ethiopia.

• Sudan: Thrived due to trade relations with neighboring countries, leading to the rise of various empires.

Ghana Empire (700 CE)

• Significant player in Trans-Saharan trade with a flourishing marketplace.

• Known for trading luxury goods like ivory, ostrich feathers, and gold.

• Fertile land allowed for agriculture, leading to population growth.

Mali Empire

• Originated from the Ghana Empire’s outpost of Kangaba.

• Expanded under Sundiata Keita, who strengthened trade routes.

• Flourished under Mansa Musa, establishing major cities and promoting scholarship.

Songhai Empire

• Engaged in trade with Berbers along the Niger River.

• Converted to Islam under King Dia Kossoi (1010), promoting but not imposing the religion.

• The empire prospered and traded with Algeria.

Fall of Songhai Empire

• Conquered in 1325, regained under King Sunni Ali.

• Expanded significantly, exchanging goods and knowledge with Muslim traders.

• Sunni Ali's personal beliefs did not align fully with Islam but appreciated its scholars.

Mesoamerican and South American Civilizations

Introduction to Mesoamerica

• Development in agriculture improved livelihoods, leading to powerful civilizations.

Mayan Civilization (250 CE – 900 CE)

• Thrived in the Yucatan Peninsula, establishing city-states like Tikal and Copan.

• Society structured with rulers and priests; reached its peak from 300 CE to 700 CE.

• Features included advanced infrastructure and a complex religious system.

Decline of the Mayan Civilization

• Decline observed towards 800 CE, potentially due to environmental degradation and population pressures.

Aztec Civilization

• Origin and Expansion:

  • Aztecs migrated from Aztlan to Mexico Valley, establishing a significant empire.

  • Established Tenochtitlan in 1325; relied on agriculture and chinampas for sustenance.

Religion and Sacrifice

• Believed in multiple gods; performed human sacrifices for spiritual sustenance.

Fall of the Aztec Empire

• Ended in 1519 with Spanish conquest led by Hernando Cortés, marking a crucial turning point.

South American Civilization

Inca Civilization (1200-1521)

• Origins and Expansion:

  • Began in the Cuzco Valley; unified by Pachakuti.

  • Expanded under Topa Yupanqui, defeating rivals along Peru's coast.

Decline of the Inca Empire

• Weakened by political turmoil and diseases from Spanish colonizers, leading to their downfall.

Pacific Islands

Overview of the Regions

• Divided into three major groups:

  • Polynesia: Central and southern Pacific, including New Zealand and Hawaii.

  • Micronesia: North of Melanesia, east of Asia, includes Caroline Islands and Marshall Islands.

  • Melanesia: North and east of Australia, includes Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Polynesia

• Livelihood based on farming and fishing; culture centered around mana.

Micronesia

• Community structure designed to withstand storms; primarily engaged in fishing and trade.

• Animism practiced, with ceremonies dedicated to spirits.

Melanesia

• Governance based on warrior status; society characterized by strong animist beliefs and unique customs.

• Was influential despite not being as well-known as other civilizations.