11: African Civilizations
- Page ID
- 72160
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 11.1: Kingdom of Aksum
- This page discusses the Aksumite Empire (100-940 CE), a major trading power in northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, notable for its adoption of Christianity, unique Ge’ez script, and advancements in trade and agriculture. Its decline resulted from the Islamic Empire gaining control of trade routes, economic isolation, and climate changes.
- 11.2: The Sultanates of Somalia
- This page discusses the emergence of powerful Somali sultanates influenced by the arrival of Islam, including the Sultanate of Mogadishu and the Ajuran Sultanate, which shaped trade and culture from the Middle Ages until the late 19th century. It highlights the Ifat Sultanate's rise and fall, alongside the flourishing of the Adal Sultanate.
- 11.3: Ethiopia and Eritrea
- This page outlines Ethiopia's historical evolution, including major dynasties like D’mt, Aksum, Zagwe, and Solomonic, from 700 BCE to the 18th century. It emphasizes the Aksumite empire's trading significance, the Zagwe dynasty's urban focus, and the Solomonic dynasty's military reforms.
- 11.4: Namibia
- This page outlines Namibia's tribal history, highlighting the San as the earliest inhabitants, followed by groups like the Nama, Damara, Ovambo, and Herero. European colonization began in the 15th century, with Britain and Germany vying for control. Britain occupied Walvis Bay in 1878, prompting Germany to declare the region a colony in 1884, leading to significant conflicts, including the Herero and Namaqua genocide from 1904 to 1907.
- 11.5: Great Zimbabwe
- This page discusses Great Zimbabwe, the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Late Iron Age, flourishing from 1200 to 1500 due to gold and ivory trade. Established around 1220, it declined by 1450 due to trade reduction and resource depletion. Known for its stone architecture and social stratification, it was eventually abandoned, leading to the rise of the Kingdom of Mutapa, which, along with Great Zimbabwe, became part of the Rozwi Empire.
- 11.6: The Swahili Culture
- This page discusses the Swahili culture of East Africa, which arose from a mix of Bantu traditions and foreign influences through trade and migration. The culture, rooted in the Kiswahili language, absorbed elements from Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Chinese cultures, significantly influenced by the Kilwa Sultanate. Swahili architecture exemplifies this unique identity, showcasing a fusion of African, Persian, and South Asian styles with ornate designs.
- 11.7: The Kingdoms of Madagascar
- This page outlines Madagascar's history over 2,000 years, highlighting the waves of settlers that created a diverse Malagasy population. The emergence of powerful kingdoms like the Merina and Betsimisaraka led to significant alliances and a reliance on slave labor.
- 11.8: The Bantu Migration
- This page discusses the Bantu Migration, which began around 1000 BCE as Bantu-speaking people expanded from West Africa throughout Africa, bringing agriculture and iron technology while assimilating or displacing other groups. By the 13th century, this led to more complex societies and by the 19th century, significant shifts occurred with the rise of the Zulu and European contact.
- 11.9: Post-Byzantine Egypt
- This page outlines the Islamic conquest of Egypt beginning in 639, with Amr ibn al-As defeating the Byzantine army and establishing Fustat. The Fatimid Caliphate later emerged in 969, enhancing trade, embracing meritocracy, and fostering cultural growth in Cairo. Under their rule, intellectual advancement flourished, although by the late 11th century, the Fatimid state weakened and was integrated into the Abbasid Caliphate under Saladin.
- 11.10: Islamic Conquest of the Maghreb
- This page discusses the Islamic conquest of the Maghreb during the Umayyad Caliphate, highlighting its significance in expanding Arab Muslim rule and facilitating trans-Saharan trade. Key regions like Kairouan and Carthage were captured, and despite traditional beliefs of Christianity's demise, evidence suggests it persisted for centuries. The Berbers were integral during and after the conquest, and the establishment of various Islamic sects among them often challenged the caliphate’s authority.
- 11.11: Nubia
- This page discusses the history of Nubia, formerly known as Kush, which thrived along the Nile in Sudan and Egypt. It highlights its independence around 1070 BCE, significant rulers, and the establishment of the Twenty-fifth dynasty in Egypt, particularly under Taharqa. The capital moved to Meroë in 591 BCE, which marked a cultural shift and the development of the Meroitic writing system.
- 11.12: Bornu Empire
- This page discusses the rise and fall of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which flourished from 700 to the 19th century. Influenced by Islam and marked by notable leaders like Mai Dunama Dabbalemi and Mai Idris Alwma, the empire ultimately declined due to internal conflict, external invasions, and economic challenges. The early 19th century saw its weakened state exacerbated by the Fulani jihad, leading to the end of the Sayfawa dynasty.
- 11.13: The Ghana Empire
- This page covers the Ghana Empire, also known as the Wagadou Empire, which thrived in parts of modern Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal due to trans-Saharan trade. Its capital, Koumbi Saleh, comprised two cities for the king and Muslim merchants. The empire's decline, partly attributed to the 1076 Almoravid invasion, led to its absorption into the Mali Empire by 1240, highlighting the historical connection between the two empires in West Africa.
- 11.14: Mali
- This page outlines the Mali Empire's history from its foundation by Sundiata Keita around 1230 to its decline by 1610. It highlights the empire's significance in trade, particularly in gold and salt, and its peak under Mansa Musa, who fostered cultural and intellectual development. The empire eventually fragmented after Mansa Mahmud Keita IV's defeat and death, with authority divided among his sons.
- 11.15: Songhai
- This page details the Songhai Empire, a prominent state in the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries, which expanded under leaders like Sonni Ali and Askia the Great, becoming a center for trade and Islam. It thrived economically through a clan system, with diverse occupations and a distinct social hierarchy. A structured government, based on Islamic law, regulated autonomy among local chiefs.
- 11.16: The Yoruba States
- This page discusses Yorubaland, highlighting its cultural significance and historical development through oral traditions. It presents Ile-Ife as the cultural core of the Yoruba and details the rise of the Oyo Empire under oba Eguguojo, marked by military conquests and strategic governance from the 14th to late 18th centuries. The empire's decline stemmed from internal strife and failed campaigns, culminating in its status as a British protectorate by the late 19th century, losing power by 1896.