Trade Networks of Africa and Asia

Recognize the definition of religion Interpret examples of how cultures adapt

to or change the environment

I can recognize the definition of religion. I can give examples of how cultures adapt

to or change the economy.

First Global Age = the long- distance trade and travel that grew in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in the 1400s

By the 1500’s, a complex trade network linked Europe, Asia, and Africa.

SpicesSilksGems

Emerged on the Arabia Peninsula in the 600’s.

Founder- the Prophet, Muhammad

Muhammad taught there is only one true God (Monotheism)

Followers of Islam are known as Muslims

The sacred book of Islam is the Quran

Arab scholars made advances in mathematics, medicine, and astronomy.

Developed Algebra Measured the size of earth Said Earth was a sphere (rounded shape) Built ships with large triangular sails that

allowed captains to use the wind even if it changed direction

European traders sailed throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea to bring home cedar logs, silver, and horses.

They traded for ivory, spices, copper, and cattle

Arabia Definition: Center of trade routes connecting the Mediterranean world with Asia and Africa.

Caravans = groups of people who traveled together for safety

Silk Road = The Central Asian routes linking China and the Middle East

Quran (Koran) = Holy book of Islam

Islam = religion that emerged in

the 600s in Arabia with

Muhammad as the founder

African Middle Kingdoms

• Rich cultures such as Mali, Ghana, and Songhai were at the center of the trade routes between North and West Africa.

• They were rich in gold, ivory, iron, and slaves.

City-State = A large town that has its own government and controls the

surrounding countryside.

Mansa Musa = Mali’s famous Muslim ruler

Timbuktu = Major trading center for Mali

and Songhai

Most powerful: Zimbabwe

(Towers of Great Zimbabwe)

Chief trading center: Kilwa

•Began to appear about A.D. 1000

Mali Most famous ruler –

Mansa Musa 1324 – Mansa Musa

made a pilgrimage to Mecca

Songhai Most powerful

kingdom in West Africa in 1400s

Major city - Timbuktu

First major trade Center- Ghana◦ traded for gold and salt◦ Rulers of Ghana became rich

Ghana began to weaken because of shifting trade routes

The Empire of Mali took over Ghana

Mansa Musa- The ruler of Mali when it was at it’s greatest as an empire

Merchants in Mali traded for kola nuts, food, and gold

Timbuktu- became a city of great learning Nomads capture Timbuktu in 1433 Timbuktu is replaced by Songhai (1468)

Highways, canals, postal system links China together

China’s empire expanded and so did trade Hangzhou- one of the world’s largest cities

by the 1200’s

Chapter 2, Section 3

China was ruled by an emperor. An emperor who came to power in 1402 was eager for

trade. He ordered a fleet of more than 300 ships to be built. The fleet was commanded by Admiral Zheng He.

Zheng He made seven voyages. His fleet traded in Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa.

After Zheng He’s death in 1435, China’s overseas voyages abruptly ended. No one is sure why.

1050- Chinese invents printing with movable type

Made advances in Navigation (the science of locating the position and plotting the course of ships

Invented magnetic compass

Chinese explorer Made several voyages

with a fleet of more than 300 giant ships

Fleet visited 30 nations throughout Asia and Africa

Traded silks and pottery for spices, gems, medicinal herbs, and ivory

A display at that compares the size of ships used by Zheng He and by Christopher Columbus

Zheng He’s ships were much larger.

The Silk Road◦ Trade route◦ 5,000 miles long◦ Connected Xi’an in China to Persia◦ Merchants brought silk and other goods.◦ Traded for Cloves, nutmeg, and peppercorns

along the way

Silk Road