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African Civilizations . Culturally, the term African makes about as much sense as “Eurasian” White racism and Afrocentrism continue to make understanding African history a challenge. Social and governmental arrangements can be discerned. Map of Africa. West Africa—3 Empires.
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African Civilizations • Culturally, the term African makes about as much sense as “Eurasian” • White racism and Afrocentrism continue to make understanding African history a challenge. • Social and governmental arrangements can be discerned
West Africa—3 Empires • Ghana (ca. 900-1100)) • Mali (1230-1415) • Songhay (1450-1591)
NOK Culture • Centered in Nigeria • Bronze Metallurgy; then Iron • Terra Cotta Sculpture • Social arrangements and language spread by ongoing Bantu Migration—spread to central and south Africa
Established by Sonike people Kumbi Saleh was capital city Kingship was a matrilineal, hereditary monarchy King was also chief judge Local Chieftans paid tribute to central government Salt, Gold, Copper, and Slave trade provide economic foundation Ghana
Collapse of Ghana • Internal divisions • Religious divisions—Almoravids (Berbers) converted to Islam and waged war against its Infidel (non-Muslim) government.
Mali • A hegemonic state • Linguistic and cultural divisions (Senegal), (Mande), (Gao) • Founded by Sundjata (1230-1255), who introduced cultivation and weaving of cotton. • Mansa Musa (1312-1337) was greatest ruler
Devoted Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca Timbuktu was leading commercial and intellectual center Mansa Musa
Songhay • Sonni Ali (1464-1492) made Songhay a true empire; he expelled the Berbers • Askia Muhammed (1493-1528) conquered Mali and expanded empire; relied on Muslim bureaucrats to Islamicize his empire
Zimbabwe (1300-1500) • Vast State in Southern Africa • No Muslim influence • European Racism blinded European scholars to its existence—physical remains of civilization were said to be work of Whites who had entered continent.
Features of Capital • 1800 Acres of highly developed area • 18,000 inhabitants • Pottery from China found among remains of city
Islam in Africa • Came to North Africa in 650 • Spread through Mali to west Africa • Spread into Ethiopia around 1000 • Religious unity/division • Writing (Arabic) • Education
European Contact W/ Sub-Saharan Africa • Initially, the Europeans incorporated Africa commerce into its nexus of trade • “Discovery” of Americas led Europeans to exploit and expand Africa’s slave trade and to rely on Africa for laborers.