• Began around 3150 BCE; political unification of Nile Valley cultures; developed over 3000 years • Divided into a series of golden ages, Kingdoms, separated by Intermediates • New Kingdom (grandest); strong pharaohs and lavish architecture• 1037 BCE ended the Egyptian golden ages

• Located south of Egypt on Nile (Nubia)

• Spoke Bantu languages

• Homeland of Africa's earliest black culture• Land of great natural wealth, gold mines, ebony, ivory and incense; 1st African civilization to make iron weapons

• Empire known for architecture and trade; strong army & navy

• Used gold coinage; built tombs with large stelae & royal tombs

• Makeda’s bath; King Ezana stelae (24 meters high) and Ezana Stone; King Bazen’s Tomb

Ghana• First Western African civilization; centered around trade• City-states developed; expanded empire and wealth

Mali• Richest and most successful Western African civilization• Life centered around Niger River and trade cities

Songhai• Expanded Western African empire• Centered around Niger River and trade cities

• King of Mali who based African law on the Qur’an • Spread Islam with goods • Built mosques in Timbuktu & Gao; Hall of Audience in Niani• Remembered for his Hajj (1324); displayed the wealth of Mali