African Civilizations Notes

Fourth Quarter Unit 7: African Civilizations

Main Ideas

  • Trade Influences: Trade introduced significant economic, cultural, and religious influences to African civilizations from other parts of the Eastern Hemisphere.
  • Flourishing States and Empires: States and empires thrived in Africa during the medieval period. Examples include:
    • Ghana, Mali, and Songhai in West Africa.
    • Axum in East Africa.
    • Zimbabwe in southeastern Africa.
  • Axum's Christian Kingdom: Axum became a Christian kingdom with political and economic ties to Roman Egypt.
  • Great Zimbabwe's Inland Capital: Great Zimbabwe was an inland capital of a prosperous empire that controlled and taxed trade routes leading to the Swahili coast.
  • West African Rulers and Trade Control: West African rulers established powerful kingdoms by controlling trade routes for salt and gold.
  • Geographic Identification: Be able to locate these civilizations and their key rivers, deserts, and highlands on a map.

Key Terms / People / Events

  • Animism: Traditional African belief system centered on the idea that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
  • Timbuktu: A major cultural and trade center in West Africa, particularly during the Mali Empire. It was renowned for its universities and Islamic scholarship.
  • Berbers: Nomadic people of North Africa who facilitated trade across the Sahara Desert.
  • Mansa Musa: The most famous ruler of the Mali Empire, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and his immense wealth.
  • Sundiata: The founder of the Mali Empire.
  • Zimbabwe: Known for its impressive stone walls. These structures are a testament to the civilization's advanced building techniques and wealth.
  • Churches of Lalibela: Rock-cut churches in Ethiopia, commissioned by King Lalibela (of the Zagwe dynasty) in the 12th and 13th centuries. These churches are significant examples of religious architecture.
  • Kilwa: A prosperous city-state on the Swahili coast, known for its trade and wealth.
  • Swahili Coast: A coastal region in East Africa with a mixed African and Arab culture, known for its trade and maritime activities.