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Griot

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a West African word for a person who plays music and tells the legends, myths, and stories of a people

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Inland Delta

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At the middle point of the Niger River. Floods almost every year during its wet season. Near the border of the inland delta is the town of Djenne. This area helps people have the resources to survive. The inland Delta provides fishing, water to grow crops, and land for animals to graze.

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Sahel

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The Sahel consists of desert and semi-arid land. By 1000 BCE, people had established settlements in the western Sahel. Starting in 400 CE, cities began to appear. Around 500 BCE, the people of the region also learned how to forge iron, and they began making tools and weapons. At some point horses were introduced into the area. The stage was set for conquest and the growth of great civilizations

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Sahara

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largest in the world and one of the hottest and driest deserts.

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How did trade help lead to the rise of the Sudanic States?

answer

Trade is the real reason for the development and rise of the great West African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, and for this reason they are often referred to as the trading states, or trade kingdoms.

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Ivory Coast

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a section of coastal western Africa along the Gulf of Guinea corresponding to present-day Côte d'Ivoire; it was named for the large quantities of ivory traded there in pre-colonial times

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Gold Coast

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a section of coastal western Africa along the Gulf of Guinea that corresponds to present-day Ghana

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Malinke people

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also known as Mandinke, is a large ethnic group in West Africa that became the known as the Mali Empire

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Sundiata

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the founder of the Mali Empire, organized many of the Mandé chiefs to fight a rival, the Soso Kingdom; reconquered lost Ghana territory and re-established the gold and salt trade.

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Niani

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capital of Mali Empire, near Bure gold fields on the present-day border between Mali and Guinea.

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Dyula

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a local merchant class who were all Muslims. There were Dyula merchants during the Ghana Empire, but they rose to their height during the Mali Empire. The Dyula spread throughout the region of West Sudan. They established their own trading settlements and helped spread Islam as well as trade throughout the region.

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Mansa Musa

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came to power in 1312 and was a king of Mali went on pilgrimage to Mecca, brought back an Arab architect, Abu Ishaq al-Sahili, who changed the way the people of Mali built their homes.

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Timbuktu

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a city of central Mali near the Niger River northeast of Bamako, City of The Great Mosque, and a center of learning

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What led to the decline of the Mali Empire?

answer

Invaders from outside, civil wars over succession (patrilineal)

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Sunni Ali the Great

answer

founder of the Songhai empire, led the Songhai in conquering the cities of Mema and Timbuktu

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Early African cultures: Nok

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developed along Niger river where it joins Benue river in what is now Nigeria. Existed from 900BCE to 200CE and is known for beautiful figurines made out of clay. Some believe it evolved into the Yoruba civilization because of the styles of art are so similar.

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Early African cultures: Djenné-Djeno

answer

located in the inland delta in what is now Mali. It grew from a small settlement founded around 200BCE to a major city by 850CE. Traded for copper, gold, and bronze, made pottery iron tools built circular mud brick buildings. It began to decline 1000 CE abandoned by 1400 CE. After it was abandoned, new city called Djenne was started and became a center for Islamic learning, just like Timbuktu.

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Why did western Sahel become an important trading area?

answer

large amounts of gold, which was a world-wide currency markets that had supplies that traders and travelers needed on their journeys. Middlemen earned profitable trade and kings taxed items for income salt and gold trade across the Sahara

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Social and political characteristics of Ghana empire?

answer

Social: used iron for weapons and art; horses for military; animistsists Political: matrilineal succession

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Why was the city of Timbuktu of great importance?

answer

Important in the trans-Saharan trade. A center of learning. Ultimately, scholars from all over the Muslim world came to Timbuktu to study.

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How was Songhai similar to other West African civilizations that came before it?

answer

Suffered from many battles over succession, just like Mali. In Songhai, the brothers of the king often tried to depose him; in turn, some kings tried to protect themselves by killing all their brothers.

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Songhai class structure?

answer

Kings and Nobility : kings and his family + lower, local nobles Freemen: citizens--Muslim clerics, craftspeople, griots, and artists. Slaves and War Captives: either high or low position in society; remained on their land and farmed it because that was how they could best serve the kingdom.

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Ghana empire: characteristics

answer

Soninke people; traded gold and salt; Kumbi Saleh was the capitol; matrilineal succession

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Mali empire: characteristics

answer

mandinke people; traded gold and salt; great mosque of timbuktu; patrilineal succession; mansa musa was greatest leader; capitol was located at Niani

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Songhai empire: characteristics

answer

Songhai people; traded gold and salt; Sunni Ali the Great; patrilineal succession; Gao was capitol

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Punt people (D'mt kingdom)

answer

origin of most Eastern and Northern African civilizations; around 2000 BCE, people of the upper Nile and Southwest Asia migrated along coast of Red Sea and settled at Horn of Africa. It blended a pastoral and agricultural lifestyle, farmed, herded livestock; it established D'mt (Da'maat) kingdom, which began to trade with interior Africa and merchants from Arabian Peninsula. 300BCE—D'mt had lost control over port cities that had begun to amass their own wealth and power.

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Bantu people

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migration from between Niger and Benue valleys, around 2000 BCE, brought with them knowledge of iron-working, agricultural techniques, and culture and language to Central, Southern, and Eastern Africa.

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Meroe (Eastern Africa)

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590BCE, people from North moved capital farther south to city of Meroe. Their influence declined as nearby city-states gained power. In 4th century CE, they were destroyed by Aksum

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Funj (Eastern Africa)

answer

6th century, Axum declined, and 3 new kingdoms arose in Nubia. Byzantines brought Christianity to region, Arabs seized control of them and spread Islam to the area. 1 century later, Funj emerged and defeated Arabs and established African sultanate. Never as stable as other kingdoms. 19th century CE—taken by Egypt.

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Axum (Eastern Africa)

answer

1st century CE, Asum became wealthiest Red Sea trade city and most influential market city in Ethiopian coast. 3rd CE, extended power over region and grown to conquer neighboring lands. Its position between African, Asian, and Mediterranean trade routes made it powerful. 4th CE, Missionaries bring Christianity, 320 CE, King Ezana became first Christian king of Africa. Thrived into 6th century CE, when Sassanid Persians overran Arabia and rolled back Axum's influence there. 7th CE—Axum cut off from sea trade by Arabs.

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Ethiopia (Eastern Africa)

answer

Agew people emerged and filled vacuum of power of Axum. United Ethiopian areas in 12th and 13th CE. Zagwe emperor Lalibela became known for establishing Christian kindom in 12th century. 1270 CE Shewa ruler Yekuno Amlak led rebellion that established solomonic dynasty that would rule Ethiopia into modern age. King Solomon and Queen of Sheba. Faced threats from Muslims and Portugese and resisted both.

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Oromo (Eastern Africa)

answer

pushing out of southern bush country in search of better lands. Oromo began raiding neighboring lands looking for resources in 13th cent. Pushed north and west into area ruled by Zagwe and Solomonids. Great deal of territory by 17th cent. Traded coffee.

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Great Zimbabwe (Southern Africa)

answer

Bantu migrations result in growth of interior cities in S Africa, including this one. Traded goods along rivers to cities in Indian coast. Rise in wealth = new elite that ruled from 11th to 15th CE. Relied on cattle herding and agriculture as well. City and kingdom became known for stone architecture and pottery. Declined in 15th CE.

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Mwenamutapa (Southern Africa)

answer

dominated lands between Limpopo and Zambezi rivers and controlled trade there, ruled by kinds Mwene Mutapa. Kingdom became knows by same title. Shone people formed kingdom began acquiring power in 14th CE and ruled 3 centuries. Their rise = prince from Great Zimbabwe in search of salt resources. Succumbed to Portugese in 17th CE.

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Kongo (Central Africa)

answer

2000 BCE onward, Bantu spread and blended local inhabitants. 1000 CE people south of rainforests not only farmers, but also miners. Specialized in ceramics, patterned textiles, salt. Trade in raffia cloth brought wealth and new class rule kingdom of kongo. Empire with several territories under one rule of Lukeni lua Nimi in 1390 CE. Forged ties with Portuguese through trade and Christianity in 1480.

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Lunda and Luba (Central Africa)

answer

traded with Arabs on Indian coast and Portuguese. Survived well into 18th CE

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Swahili (South-eastern Africa)

answer

"of the coast" in Arabic. Powerful markets for arab and Indian merchants and native African populations from Bantu. Blending of Bantu language with Arabic resulted in Swahili and region was Swahili coast. Islam becomes predominant. Mogadishu, Mombasa, and Kilwa most prominent cities along coast. 1498 Portuguese conquered the region.

question

Bunyoro-Kitara

answer

great lakes of Africa-Lake Victoria, Tanganyika, Albert and others. 14th and 15th CE, Tutsi and Maasai came. Kindom rose to control, but smaller kingdoms controlled by this one too such as Buganda and Rwanda; control of rich salt.

question

What resources helped Africans build the early kingdoms of East, Central, and South Africa?

answer

The waters within and around Africa made possible not only human migration and farming but also trade. These rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans served as major arteries that connected Africans with others. Through seafaring trade, merchants brought valuable goods that increased the wealth of African peoples who would rise to become kings and emperors. They also brought Christianity, Islam, and their own political interests. Arabs and Persians would help found the city-states of the Swahili Coast, and the Portuguese would prove the first of a series of European invaders that would forever change the face of Africa.

question

1270 CE

answer

Yikunno-Amlak, possibly a descendent of the Aksum people, founds the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia. His grandson Amda Seyon would extend the borders of Ethiopia and would demand greater rights for Christians in neighboring Muslim kingdoms such as Egypt

question

11th century:

answer

Arab traders found Mombasa

question

14th century

answer

The ruler of the Bantu-speaking Ganda people, who lived along Lake Victoria, centralizes power and begins the kingdom of Buganda.

question

Examples of social changes?

answer

by 1000 CE, fortified hilltop towns emerged among cattle-herding people whose elites began commanding stone constructions 2000 BCE--Bantu speaking peoples of Niger and Bhenu River valleys migrate into east, central, and s. africa

question

Examples of political change?

answer

wealth from trade helped an African nobility emerge and establish rule over powerful city-states

question

Examples of religious change?

answer

4th century: Christian missionaries travel to East Africa. In 1000, Ethiopian king Lalibela built 11 churches 10th century onward: Arab merchants spread Islam along Swahili coast and help establish Muslim sultanate at Kilwa

question

Examples of economic change?

answer

by 1325, Great Zimbabwe is center of Gold trade from 1000 onward, cities along swahili coast thrive from trade with Arab, Chinese, Persian, and Indian merchants Lunda and Luba gain wealth and power through salt trading

question

Beringia

answer

Ancient land-bridge between what is now Alaska and Siberia; it was submerged beneath water and the Bering Strait formed

question

Pre-columbian

answer

history of the Americas before Columbus landed in 1492

question

What is a mother culture? What were the mother cultures of the later Aztec, Mayan, and Incan civilizations?

answer

Olmec, Nazca, and other Mesoamerican and Andean cultures including the Zapotec, Chavin, and Moche

question

Mesoamerica

answer

a region defined by cultural similarities of indigenous populations and extends from central Mexico through most of Central America. Aztecs and Mayans are most famous in this region but were not first.

question

The Olmec civilization, social, political, religious, economic

answer

Social: 1200-400BCE, did not leave a rich written record except for glyphs found on stone carvings that let us know they were polytheistic; called Olmecatl (rubber people) because they used rubber trees to make rubber. They were technologically advanced. Massive carved stone heads = portraits of rulers, La Venta--built in alignment with a major constellation/star; had knowledge in astronomy Political: had great influence on nearby cultures--this is seen through their artifacts. San Larenzo and La Venta were major towns and are now archeological sites Economic: vast trading network Religious: polytheistic, as many as 10 gods in this case

question

The Zapotec civilization, social, political, religious, economic

answer

Social: developed in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico. Modern form = Mixtec, In 700s BCE, Zapotec construct city at Monte Alban. Included pyramids, tombs, ball field. Inhabitants had a written calendar and language. Most who live in Oaxaca are farmers or craftsmen and speak several dialects of Zapotec . Political: Settlements at Monte Alban flourished from 300 to 900 CE. Largest and most important center in Mesoamerica. Religious: Original myths and traditions remain to today, but after Spanish conquest, Zapotec practice Roman Catholicism. Economic: dependence on farming and crafting, possible trade between Olmec and later civilizations

question

Describe the region of the Andes civilizations

answer

Andes mountains = in modern Peru, always abundant natural resources. Long wet season = + agriculture, many river valleys = fertile and fish = plentiful; Terrace farming developed in Andes around 4000 years ago because of mountains. Terrace farming is creating steps on mountains

question

Chavin, Andes Civilization

answer

900-200BCE Social: much of what remains is preserved at Chavin de Huantar, an archeological site, where stone ruins built in the mountain demonstrate high lvl of organization of culture. Temples show that Chavin understood drainage. To prevent floods, built complex drain that kept temple dry. Advanced culture. Political: dominated much of central coast of Peru, but influenced northern and southern regions too; brought first political unification in region and united local groups with common religion + culture. Religious: polytheistic, worshiped many deities, part animists Economic: unknown

question

Nazca, Andes Civilization

answer

200 BCE to 600 CE; southern coastal Peru after Chavin. large-scale geological art (Nazca lines) hundreds of feet long and wide, size had led some to speculate about their possible inventions, still matter of debate as to exact use of the lines. Also pottery, recognizable and attractive. Polychrome, meaing once piece decorated w/ several diff colors. Images = people + animals, also angular, bold and modern-looking.

question

Moche, Andes Civilization

answer

400 BCE to 800 CE; contemporary form of Nazca Social: ruins of Moche Valley home to Moche Temple of the Moon and Temple of the Sun. area surrounding temples = site of a large Moche city. Most surviving artifacts are from elite class, significantly taller than average. Indicates they much better fed than average Moche. Complex irrigation system allowed grow beans, maize (corn), and other crops. Metalworking and pottery = impressive, decorated realistic images from daily life. Some are mundane, others dramatic. Some Moche pottery shows people ritually consuming the blood of sacrificed prisoners Detail from a mural in the Temple of the Moon has been named the Decapitator, who frequently appears in imagery relating to human sacrifice and can be found on Moche murals and pottery all over their territory. Political: northern coastal peru w/ Ecuador's border

question

Mayans: Social, Religious, Political, Economic

answer

Social: 20 + elaborate cities, at empire's height = 2million people. Accomplishments include written language, sculpture, architectural monuments such as stone pyramids (temple at Tikal). Cities included temples, monuments, pyramids, ball fields, plazas, and palaces. Large stone for structures. Developed math system much easier to use. Symbols constructed out of symbols and lines. Illiterates could do arithmetic because of this Religious: Religious rituals were a major focus of Mayan life. Some involved torture and human sacrifice. Others were more light-hearted. Developed calendars, sophisticated glyph system—Zapotec influence Astronomy, believed world goes through continuous creation and destruction Political: 250-900CE (Mayan Classic Period) it stretched across S. Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Economic: trade, Tikal - trading center, Cacao beans were once used as money, bartered jade, cotton, animal skin, feathers (macaw) Trade - vast area

question

Aztecs: Social, Religious, Political, Economic

answer

Social: 1325-1519 CE. Tenochtitlan; great farmers Origin = northern mexico hunter gatherers. Nahuatl = language. Highly sophisticated irrigation and agricultural techniques allowed the Aztecs to farm every inch of their available land. Lots of water and marsh around Tenochtitlan. Chinampas: converted most of the lake into farmland. Tenochtitlan became"Venice of Americas". Elites lived in large stone homes and regularly ate food imported from other parts of empire. Individual could rise in social class through personal success. Bottom: indentured servants + slaves craft specialization. Most people in city = craftsmen, priests, warriors, administrators, or merchants. Calpulli = city states Religious: Aztecs worshipped Sun, one fear was that it would not rise and kill their crops + bring darkness. To ensure the daily reappearance, they offered grand scale sacrifices to the sun. They brought back their foes to sacrifice Political: 15th century--Itzcóatl formed alliances with neighboring groups and, through trade and war, quickly established a strong and broad empire.Hernan Cortes took ninth Aztec emperor Moctezuma II and threw him in prison, where he then died. Spanish battled for control over Tenochtitlan and 1 year following Moctezuma's death, Aztec empire fell. Economic: craft and artisan guilds;

question

Inca: Social, Religious, Political, Economic

answer

Social: Strict social classes. Top: emperor known as the Sapa Inca, bottom: farmers, lower classes: paid taxes, pyhiscal work for empire; descendants comprise much of Peru, speaking Quechua and practicing Incan-flavored Catholicism. Religious: pyramids and mummies, pyramids used for religious purposes, mummification preserved dead, in 2002 CE, thousands uncovered by archaeologists, many = children showing high child mortality rate. Polytheistic. Sapa Inca = considered god, religion involved nature gods and human sacrifice. When Catholic Spanish conquered, they destroyed most of symbols of their religion. Political: Influenced by Spanish. Warlike nation. Numbered 5,000,000 began as a small group, established capital at Cuzco in 12th CE. 14th century CE—expanding and conquering neighboring groups. Ethnic groups were separated to prevent rebellion and large populations forced to move to different ethnic group's area. Cuzco = capital. Economic: Incas demanded tax of labor from conquered populations. Tax could be paid with military service, construction work, or agricultural work. It was this organized and intensive system of labor that allowed the Incas to complete massive construction projects. Remarkable engineering. Extensive system of roads: relay system, runners brought messages from one part to another. Messages were encoded on knotted lengths of string called quipu.

question

Writing System: Mayans, Aztec, Inca

answer

Mayans: complex writing system w/ hieroglyphs Aztec: pictures to represent objects and ideas, but different pictures than Mayans Inca: spoke Quechua w/o writing system; records kept with quipu

question

Religion: Mayans, Aztec, Inca

answer

Mayans: 160+ gods and goddesses, each representing element of nature. Religious calender of 260 days, solar calender of 365 days. Human sacrifices. Aztec: hundreds of gods and goddesses, each ruling a different part of nature. Religious and solar calenders. Human sacrifices. Inca: many gods, but ruling family prayed to sun god. Religious calenders were not as important, as they practiced divination to determine when to do various activities. Human sacrifices were less frequent.

question

Public Works: Mayans, Aztec, Inca

answer

All: roads, buildings, canals Mayans: stelae with carved records, important dates and events of rulers. Emphasized to public their importance. Aztec: built chinampas (fields above surface of the lake anchored by tree roots) Inca: complex, paved road system of 14k miles, suspension bridges

question

Economics: Mayans, Aztec, Inca

answer

All: corn, extensive trade networks Mayans: canals in swampy areas to drain land and use unearthed soil for raised fields Aztec: Inca: terraces in hillsides, less erosion

question

Politics: Mayans, Aztec, Inca

answer

Mayans: city-states, each ruled by a king that served head of government, military, and religion. Each king had a court, followers, and was advised by a council. Kings often acted as diplomats. City-state structuring prevented Mayan unification. Aztec: single leader ruled and supported by advisory council. divided empire into provinces, each having a capital and ruled by a governor who collected taxes. Inca: single leader ruled and supported by advising council. Formed complex bureaucracy that included emperor, 4 officials, and governor for 80 provinces. Mita--commoner called upon for public service, in return his family and land are taken care of

question

Pacal the Great

answer

He ruled for 67 years and asummed throne through his mother. Created a program that built many great buildings around capital of Palenque.

question

Moctezuma I

answer

built dams to control flooding built aqueduct for fresh water supply increased human sacrifice after the plague expanded territories reorganized gov. to give himself control formed the triple alliance

question

Huayna Capac

answer

Built city of Tumibamda as 2nd capital Divided his empire Chicken-pox expanded into South and North His sons split the empire after he died

question

What is true about historians' knowledge of the Aztecs?

answer

...

question

What even led to the downfall of the Aztecs and the Inca?

answer

the Spanish reconquest of Iberia

question

What represents evidence that the Maya were influenced by the Olmec civilization that preceded them?

answer

ball courts in Mayan ruins, a written language in glyphs, etc.

question

How did Pacal the Great change the rules of succession in the Mayan civilization?

answer

He set the precedent for rule to be passed down through a female relation.

question

The main economic basis of the Empire of Mali was derived from the agricultural production of the rural areas. However, the main economic activity that has been preserved in the record is of gold production. What accounts for this disparity?

answer

...

question

Which describes the status of priests in pre-Columbian civilizations?

answer

...

question

Which of the following gives evidence of continuity across cultures in pre-Columbian Meso and South America?

answer

The Olmec and Maya demonstrated an interest in astronomy.

question

What explains why Morocco decided to invade Songhai?

answer

Morocco wanted control of the Trans-Saharan gold trade.

question

Which of the following contributed to the fall of Ghana?

answer

conflicts with the Berbers

question

What does this image (mask of animal) suggest about the Chavin civilization?

answer

The Chavin included human and animal motifs in their art.

question

In addition to bringing goods, how did the trans-Sahara trade routes influence the culture of Ghana?

answer

The trade routes brought Muslims who introduced Islam.

question

The Mayan calendars showed an influence from which other culture?

answer

Zapotecs

question

What influenced the development of both Aztec and Mayan calendars?

answer

astronomy

question

The Great Ballcourt at Chichen Itza, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica, is flanked by temples to the north and south and has temples built into its east and west walls. What does this imply about the role of pok a tok in Mayan culture?

answer

Pok a tok had an important religious aspect in addition to its role as a sport.

question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the Incan economy?

answer

mita, centrally-planned economy

question

What place did craftspeople hold in the Muslim social hierarchy?

answer

Freemen

question

Which of the following is true of the people of Songhai?

answer

Some were Muslims and some practiced traditional religions of the region.

question

Which of the following has helped historians learn about the Inca empire?

answer

the ruins of Machu Picchu

question

While the Chavin and the Nazca inhabited the same area, how did their settlement locations differ?

answer

The Chavin settled the highlands while the Nazca settled the valleys.

question

What is true of the Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia?

answer

It resisted takeover from Muslim and Portuguese invaders.

question

What did special religious observances in both the Aztec and Spanish calendars provide for people?

answer

fun and entertainment

HONORS WORLD HISTORY: Module 3 (Africa) – Flashcards

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