Sub Saharan

Africa

600-700 AD-Ethiopia threatened by Muslims, isolated from Christian Europe

600-1000 AD Bantu migrations across Sub-Saharan Africa

1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara 1250’s C.E.- Zimbabwes built (stone houses) 1260 C.E.- Ife Ife (Yoruba) create terra cotta and

bronze statues 1324-25 C.E.- Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca 1400- Swahili cities set up along Indian Ocean

coast

Compared to other civilizations we’ve studied, how soon did Africa develop civilizations of its own?

1000 AD-Islam established south of Sahara

1200’s AD- Mali Empire rises 1400’s A.D.-Songhai Empire rises

Slow advance of Islam across West Africa

Independence of Ethiopia (NEVER conquered)

Sea trade along East Coast with Islamic Empires and India)

Trans-Saharan trade (including slaves)

What kinds of interactions did Sub-Saharan Africa have with other civilizations?

Djenne, Mali (mosque)Music

(communication)

Great Zimbabwe

Bronze sculpture from Benin

What were some of the major themes seen in early Sub-Saharan African art?

Most languages derive from Bantu Few records until after Muslims brought

writing to Africa. Islam INFLUENCED but didn’t REPLACE

ancient customs Griots- storytellers

High social rankWhole inter-generational groups helped tell

stories to pass on history

Cattle = wealth Lack of written history means that it is

harder to study than other civilizations Slave trade relocated millions of

Africans worldwide, also distributed culture

African traditions affect how American culture is transmitted

Islamic influence still evident across Africa

Would you say it is harder or easier to see the influence of Sub-Saharan African civilizations in the world today? Why?