Africa. Early Civilizations of Africa Influence of geography Geographic patterns Vegetation affects...
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Transcript of Africa. Early Civilizations of Africa Influence of geography Geographic patterns Vegetation affects...
Africa
Africa
Early Civilizations of Africa Influence of geography
Geographic patterns Vegetation affects where and how people live
Deserts, rainforests, interior plateau, and cataracts (waterfalls) hinder travel and trade
Great Rift Valley and Mediterranean and Red Seas aid travel and trade
Resources spur trade• Salt, gold, iron, and copper encourage trade and bring wealth
Camels increase trade across the Sahara
Africa
Outside influences Strong ties to overseas regions Carthage dominates trade until defeat by Rome Rome spreads Christianity through North Africa Muslims conquer North Africa Christianity to Islam Latin to Arabic
Africa
West Africa Trade in the Sahara
People become farmers, develop a surplus, and begin to trade West Africans trade leather goods, kola nuts, cotton cloth, and
slaves North Africans trade silk, metal, beads, and horses Cities develop along trade routes; monarchs create powerful
kingdoms Gold and salt dominate trade
Gold found in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal Salt found in the central Sahara
Dietary need Food preservation 1lb. of gold for 1lb. of salt
Africa
Medieval African Societies Family Patterns
Nuclear and extended family units Patrilineal and matrilineal kinship
Families belong to a lineage- a group of people who claim a common ancestor, and a clan
Africa
Government Chief or group of elders make the decisions
Decisions made by consensus, general agreement Villages in a large kingdom obeyed distant,
central government Limited power
Kongo King chosen by electors and had to follow traditional
laws Local chiefs have power
Africa
Religion Varied and complex with many gods and
goddesses Islam and Christianity spread
Absorbed local beliefs and customs Many believed in single, supreme being Honored ancestors