History of Africa Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is History of Africa?
The history of Africa is filled with a vast and complex array of cultures, societies, and events that have shaped the continent. From ancient times to modern day, Africa has been home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world and has had a significant impact on global history.In ancient times, African civilizations such as Nubia and Egypt were powerful forces in the region. The Egyptians created a highly advanced society with writing, law codes, architecture, and a strong military. Nubian civilization flourished along the Nile River in what is now Sudan and Ethiopia between 500 BC-300 AD. It was one of the earliest African kingdoms to develop an elaborate writing system known as Meroitic script which was used until 400 AD. The early centuries also saw a rise in trade between Africa, Europe, Asia and Egypt which brought about many cultural exchanges including religion. Christianity arrived on African soil around 300 AD while Islam spread across North Africa during the 7th century making it one of its most important areas for Islamic expansion. In addition to this exchange of religion came an influx of new languages such as Arabic which replaced Latin as the language of politics during this period.During the Middle Ages (1000-1500), various African empires rose to power including Ghana (800-1235), Mali (1235-1468) Songhai (14641591) Great Zimbabwe (1300-1550). These empires relied heavily on trade for their economic growth primarily trading gold from West Africa’s coastal regions with merchants from Europe who traveled by ship down the coast known as The Gold Coast due to its abundance in this precious metal. In more recent history much attention has been paid to slavery in Africa but it should be noted that it was not limited solely to Africans; Europeans were often enslaved by African rulers too throughout different points in history mainly due to warfare or debt obligations between them which continued into modern times until banned completely by European governments during 19th century abolitionist movements throughout Europe and America. This led way for colonization by European powers starting at Scramble For Africa at Berlin Conference 188485 where they divided up ownership over much of continental land mass leading up through WWI when most European countries gained independent control over their respective colonies.