Chapter 13: Medieval Africa

Section 1: The Rise of African Civilizations

Africa’s GeographyDeserts – Sahara, Kalahari, Libyan, NamibMediterranean climate – Morocco, ZimbabweRain Forest – Congo BasinSavanna – most of the continent of

Africa2nd largest continent

Africa’s GeographyAlmost all of Africa is on a plateau

Great Rift Valley – earliest human fossils found

West African EmpiresBerbers – first settlers in North Africa

They traded with West Africans (400 B.C.)

Used Camels that were intro. by the RomansCamels – ships of the desertGold –Salt trade

West African EmpiresGhana400’sCrossroads of tradeTaxed tradersControlled people who owned gold mines, huge army, gold-salt trade

West African EmpiresGhana fell – new gold mines found, fighting, farmed too much

Mali – 1200’sGriots - storytellersSundiata – Lion prince

West African EmpiresMansa MusaPilgrimage to MeccaTimbuktu – center of learning

Songhai – 1330’sSunni AliLargest empire in West Africa

Rain Forest KingdomsBenin – Niger DeltaFounded 1440Food surpluses supported rulers and a class of artisans

Kongo – Congo BasinWeavers

East AfricaEthiopia – Sheba

Axum – city-stateTrade on the Red SeaKing Ezana – ChristianityArab sailors used dhows

East AfricaArab traders inter-married with African women – Swahili

Great ZimbabweLargest kingdom in East Africa – 1400’s

Trade - gold, copper ivoryStone walled city