The Rich History of African Kingdoms: Trade, Culture, and Common Traits
Africa is home to numerous historical kingdoms, with notable ones such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay flourishing from 300 CE to 1600 CE. These empires thrived on wealth generated through the gold and salt trade. The introduction of camels greatly aided trade routes. Mansa Musa of Mali became famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing immense wealth. Common traits among African groups include animism, where spirits inhabit nature and ancestors play a vital role in daily life. The region is characterized by rich culture, strong trade networks, and centers of learning like Timbuktu.
The Rich History of African Kingdoms: Trade, Culture, and Common Traits
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Presentation Transcript
Do Now • Please answer the following question: • List everything you know about Africa
Common traits between African Groups • Animism- spirits are present in the nature around you (plants, animals, dead ancestors)
Important Facts • Ghana developed in West Africa • 300 CE to about 1100 CE. • Became wealthy because of trade (taxed travelers) • Salt and gold was used in trade. • Camels introduced-made trade easier
2nd largest empire in Africa • Controlled the gold and salt trade
Important Facts • King of Mali was Mansa Musa (1312-1337). He developed the gold and salt trade • Was a Muslim (built mosques)
In 1324 Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage ( a journey to a holy place) to Mecca, which is a holy city in Arabia, with 60,000 servants and followers and 80 camels carrying more than 4,000 pounds of gold to be distributed among the poor. Of the 12,000 servants 500 carried a staff of pure gold. This showed his power and wealth to the other people he visited.
Songhay (Songhai)
The Songhay empire was the largest empire in Africa . • Kingdom of Songhay encompassed part of the Kingdom of Mali • 1350 and 1600 CE
Silk, Ceramics, Beads, Islam from Europe and Asia All three kingdoms of West Africa relied on trade for their strength and wealth. Salt Timbuktu Gao Jenne Gold, Ivory, Wood, Slaves Coming into West Africa Coming from Africa and going to Europe and Asia
Recap • Controlled the gold and salt trade=rich • Large Armies of 100,000 (Europe- 15,000) • Little poverty • Timbuktu-center of learning • West Africa is peaceful