Ancient And Medieval African Civilizations Worksheet ✓ Solved

Ancient And Medieval African Civilizations Worksheet HIS/356

Complete the worksheet using analysis from the map, readings and class discussions. You may expand the table as needed. Also answer the questions at the end of the worksheet. Each question response at the end of the table should be 200 to 350 words.

Ancient and medieval African civilization or empire:

  • Explain the founding, consolidation, and growth.
  • Describe the government structure of the kingdom.
  • What were the chief trade items in and out?
  • Explain the decline and collapse.

Egypt (Nile), Aksum (or Axum), Ghana, Kush-Meroe, Songhai (or Songhay), Mali, Great Zimbabwe, Kanem, and Benin.

1. What was ancient and medieval life and culture like in Africa before the European and Arabic traders?

2. What enticed European and Arabic traders to the African continent? What interested them most?

3. Which European or Arabic traders had the most impact on ancient and medieval African civilizations and empires? Which traders had the least impact on the civilizations and empires? Why?

Paper For Above Instructions

The study of ancient and medieval African civilizations reveals a rich tapestry of cultures, empires, and histories that developed over millennia. Long before European and Arabic traders set foot on the continent, Africa was home to a variety of societies that thrived through trade, agriculture, and complex governance. To understand this remarkable period, it is essential to examine several key civilizations.

Egypt (Nile)

Egypt's ancient civilization, centered around the Nile River, was established around 3100 BCE. The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under Pharaoh Narmer marked the beginning of the dynastic period. Egypt prospered through agricultural innovation and the Nile's annual flooding, which provided nutrient-rich silt for farming. The government structure was a theocratic monarchy, where Pharaohs were seen as divine figures. Trade was extensive, with gold, papyrus, linen, and grain being vital exports, while cedar wood, spices, and lapis lazuli were commonly imported. However, the decline of Egypt began around 30 BCE due to invasions by foreign powers, leading to the Roman annexation (Fage, 2001).

Aksum (Axum)

Aksum, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, emerged around the 1st century CE as a trading empire due to its strategic position along the Red Sea. It is renowned for its monumental obelisks and the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Governance was centralized under a king, with local officials managing provinces. Aksum's economy thrived on the trade of ivory, gold, and frankincense, while it imported textiles and metalwork. The decline of Aksum in the 7th century is attributed to the rise of Islam, which disrupted trade routes (Curtin, 1984).

Ghana

The Ghana Empire, flourishing between the 6th and 13th centuries, was notable for its wealth derived from gold trade. Located between the Sahara and the West African forests, its government was a monarchy with a complex administration overseeing trade and taxation. Ghana's prominent trade items included gold, salt, and ivory, with significant imports of textiles and tools. The empire began to decline due to overextension and the rise of neighboring kingdoms (Bovens, 2009).

Kush-Meroe

The Kingdom of Kush, located to the south of Egypt, thrived from approximately 1000 BCE to 350 CE. It was known for its rich gold mines and was ruled by a series of powerful kings. Its government mirrored Egypt's, with a strong emphasis on religion. Kush engaged in trade with Egypt and other regions, exchanging gold, iron, and ebony for wheat and luxury items. The decline was due to internal strife and external pressures from more powerful neighbors (Hassan, 1999).

Songhai (Songhay)

Emerging in the 15th century, the Songhai Empire grew from the remnants of the Mali Empire. It became one of the largest empires in African history, with a competitive and skilled military structure. Governed by the Askia, the empire centered trade around cities like Timbuktu and Gao, exporting gold and offering a vibrant market for scholarly pursuits. Songhai declined in the late 16th century due to factors such as the Moroccan invasion and internal divisions (Levtzion & Hopkins, 1981).

Mali

The Mali Empire, founded in the 13th century, reached its zenith under Mansa Musa, who is famed for his pilgrimage to Mecca and promoting Islam. Governance was decentralized, with local chiefs maintaining authority, while Mansa Musa oversaw the larger empire. Mali thrived in trade, especially in gold and salt, and fostered intellectual growth through centers like Timbuktu. The empire's decline came from succession crises and external pressures (Sundiata, 2007).

Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe, which flourished from the 11th to 15th centuries, is noted for its impressive stone ruins and trade networks that reached as far as China and the Middle East. The society was ruled by a king and engaged in the production of gold and cattle. The decline is linked to environmental deterioration and changing trade patterns (Chirikure et al., 2010).

Kanem-Bornu

The Kanem-Bornu Empire, established around the 9th century, was known for its Islamic scholarship and trade across the Saharan desert. The governance was autocratic under a king with an advisory council. Key trade items included slaves, ivory, and salt, while importing textiles and manufactured goods. The empire faced decline due to external invasions and internal conflict (Mann & Fage, 2006).

Benin

Benin, flourishing in the 15th century, is noted for its advanced political structure and artistic achievements. The governance was led by a king (Oba) with a centralized administration. Benin primarily traded bronze sculptures and textiles and engaged in trade with Portuguese merchants. The empire declined due to colonial expansions and internal strife (Egharevba, 1980).

Ancient and Medieval Life and Culture

Before European and Arabic traders arrived, African life and culture were diverse and vibrant. Societies had unique customs, languages, and belief systems. Agriculture, trade, and metallurgy defined daily life. Social structures ranged from kinship-based communities to complex empires with centralized power. Arts, music, and oral traditions were integral to cultural identity, reflecting the philosophies and histories of the people (Mbiti, 1969).

Enticements for Trade

European and Arabic traders were drawn to Africa primarily for its wealth in gold, spices, and other resources. The existence of lucrative trade routes and the demand for goods such as ivory, salt, and slaves further incentivized their exploration and engagement with African civilizations. The prospect of new markets and expanding empires fueled this interest (Eldredge, 2007).

Impact of Traders

Arab traders significantly impacted early African societies, establishing trade networks and spreading Islam. European traders had varying impacts; for example, the Portuguese established dominance along the coasts, affecting local economies and politics, while others had minimal influence due to geographical limitations or less aggressive trade strategies. The varying impacts can be attributed to the methods of trade and engagement adopted by these groups (Rodney, 1972).

Conclusion

In summary, ancient and medieval African civilizations were complex societies that contributed greatly to world history. Their interactions with European and Arabic traders reshaped economies and cultures, leading to profound changes that resonate to this day. Understanding these civilizations provides a clearer picture of Africa's role in global history.

References

  • Bovens, D. (2009). The Ghana Empire. In African History.
  • Chirikure, S., et al. (2010). Great Zimbabwe: Labour and Social Relations. In The Journal of African History.
  • Curtin, P. D. (1984). Cross-cultural Trade in World History. In Trade in the Indian Ocean World.
  • Egharevba, J. (1980). A Short History of Benin. In University of Benin Press.
  • Eldredge, E. (2007). The French Colonial Empire in Africa. In OUP Oxford.
  • Fage, J. D. (2001). A History of Africa. In Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Hassan, F. A. (1999). The Archaeology of the Nile Valley: A Key to the Study of the African Past. In Ancient Civilizations.
  • Levtzion, N., & Hopkins, J. F. (1981). Corpus of Early Arabic Sources for West African History. In Princeton University Press.
  • Mann, K., & Fage, J. D. (2006). The West African Response to Colonialism. In The African Experience.
  • Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African Religions and Philosophy. In Heinemann Educational Books.
  • Rodney, W. (1972). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. In Dar es Salaam University Press.
  • Sundiata, B. S. (2007). The Life and Times of Sundiata Keita. In University of California Press.

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