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Chapter 8 . Warm-up . 11/4/2013 Write some of the methods scientist use to learn about the history and culture of early civilizations. . Africa’s early history. Neolithic people of ancient Egypt move toward civilization around 3800 B.C.
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Warm-up • 11/4/2013 • Write some of the methods scientist use to learn about the history and culture of early civilizations.
Africa’s early history • Neolithic people of ancient Egypt move toward civilization around 3800 B.C. • Sub-Saharan African plateau- river basins and valleys. Drops down to a coastal plain. • Rivers- Congo, Niger, and Zambezi are blocked by rapids. Can’t cross or move boats upstream • Sahara Desert: covers one-fourth of Africa's continent.
Africa’s early history • Sahel- southern region, rainfall is sparse and uncertain. • South of the Sahel is the dry grasslands, savannas. • In the savannas they grow sorghum, millet, rice, and herd cattle.
Africa’s early history • Farther south there is rainfall. • 100 inches a year of rain in central and western Africa • Tropical Rain Forest thrive in this region. Vast forest • Jungles- areas of dense tangles of plants grown wherever sunlight reaches.
Africa’s early history • Rain Forest is hot and wet, provides breeding grounds for insects. Some carry diseases. • Malaria and yellow fever. • Kalarharia Desert and Namib Desert range from the center of southern Africa westward to the Atlantic coast.
Africa’s early history • Language: • linguists: scientists who study languages . • Bantu – a family of closely related African languages • “cradle land” bantu lies in west central Africa • Oral traditions-poems, songs and stories passed by word of mouth from one generation to another. Hold a moral lesson
Africa’s early history • Griots- were highly trained speakers and entertainers who memorized the oral tradition of their village. • Cultural exchange- • Cultural exchange between Africa and Asia. • Shared language, and musical instruments. • Sub-Saharan Africa were able to deal with their often harsh environment.
Africa’s early history • The climate in the Sub-Saharan became drier over time. Many crops didn’t grow well so people left the area or shifted to herding animals. • What methods have been used by scholars to learn about the history of Sub-Saharan Africa?
Africa’s early history • Patterns of Life: early Africans lived in small villages. • Women played a crucial role in both family and economy. • Women were primary farmers • Many societies in parts of the Sub-Saharan were matrilineal.
Africa’s early history • People would inherit property through their mothers. • Ancestors important to the societies. Most religions included a supreme creator god.
Main Ideas Homework due Tuesday 11/5/2013 • How did people decide what crops to grow in early African Cultures? • What evidence is there of cultural exchange between early Africa and Asia? • How important was the village in early African societies? • How was early African society organized?