Sub Saharan

Africa

Anthropologists believe humanity first arose in East Africa

Early culture mostly influenced by Egyptian civilization and the Mediterranean worldRomans built roads, dams, aqueducts and

cities across N. Africa; spread Christianity Camels brought in around 200 A.D.

allowing future trade across Africa possible

600-700 AD-Ethiopia threatened by Muslims, isolated from Christian Europe

600-1000 AD Bantu migrations across Sub-Saharan Africa

1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara 1250’s C.E.- Zimbabwes built (stone houses) 1260 C.E.- Ife Ife (Yoruba) create terra cotta and

bronze statues 1324-25 C.E.- Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca 1400- Swahili cities set up along Indian Ocean

coast

750 AD-Kingdom of Ghana developed between Senegal and Niger Rivers

1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara

1200’s AD- Mali Empire rises 1400’s A.D.-Songhai Empire rises

Slow advance of Islam across West Africa

Independence of Ethiopia (NEVER conquered)

Sea trade along East Coast with Islamic Empires and India)

Trans-Saharan trade (including slaves)-Gold in the west, west lacked salt (Gold/Salt trade) Importance of salt-vital to human survival to

prevent dehydration and preserve food

Djenne, Mali (mosque)Music

(communication)

Great Zimbabwe

Bronze sculpture from Benin

Most languages derive from Bantu Few records until after Muslims brought

writing to Africa. Islam INFLUENCED but didn’t REPLACE

ancient customs Griots- storytellers

High social rankWhole inter-generational groups helped tell

stories to pass on history

Cattle = wealth Lack of written history means that it is

harder to study than other civilizations Slave trade relocated millions of

Africans worldwide, also distributed culture

African traditions affect how American culture is transmitted

Islamic influence still evident across Africa

Gained control over major trade routes allowing them to tax all gold and salt flowing through

Invaded by Muslims in 1076 and never recovered and dissolved into smaller states

Conquered the old capital of Ghana Brought gold and salt mines under their

direct control Converted to Islam Ruler Mansa Musa expanded the empire

and built a mosque and palace in Timbuktu

Sultan Sunni Ali captured Timbuktu Grew rich from trade and expanded the

trade network Timbuktu continued to be a center of

Muslim scholarship Invaded by Moroccans (used guns)

Successors of the Bantus Built stone walls Center for manufacturing