Chapter 8 Flashcards
side note
African societies developed diverse forms, from stateless societies organized around kinship or age sets to large centralized states, and within this diversity were many shared aspects of language and beliefs. Universalistic faiths penetrated the continent and served as the basis for important cultural developments in Nubia and Ethiopia.
stateless societies
African societies organized around kinship or other forms of obligation and lacking the concentration of political power and authority associated with states.
Ifriqiya
the Arabic term for eastern north Africa
Maghrib
The Arabic word for western north Africa
Almohadis
A reformist movement among the Islamic Berbers of northern Africa; later than the Almoravids; penetrated into sub-Saharan Africa
side note
In the Sahel grasslands, several powerful states emerged that combined Islamic religion and culture with local practices. The kingdoms of Mali and Songhay and the Hausa states were African adaptations of Islam and its fusion with African traditions.
juula
Malinke merchants; formed small partnerships to carry out trade throughout Mali Empire; eventually spread throughout much of west Africa
Sundiata
the “Lion Prince”; a member of the Keita clan; created a unified state that became the Mali Empire; died about 1260
griots
Professional oral historians who served as keepers of traditions and advisors to kings within the Mali Empire
Timbuktu
Port city of Mali; located just off the flood plain on the great bend in the Niger River; population of 50,000; contained a library and university
Songhay
Successor state to Mali; dominated middle reaches of Niger valley; formed as independent kingdom under a Berber dynasty; capital at Gao; reached imperial status under Sunni Ali (1464-1492)
Muhammad the Great
extended the boundaries of the Songhay Empire; Islamic ruler of the mid-16th century
Hausa
Peoples of northern Nigeria; formed states following the demise of Songhay Empire that combined Muslim and pagan traditions
Sharia
Islamic law; defined among other things the patrilineal nature of Islamic inheritance
Ibn Batuta
(b. 1304) Arab traveler who described African societies and cultures in his travel records
side note
A string of Islamicized African ports tied to the trade across the Indian Ocean dotted the east African coast. Although these cities were Islamicized, African customs and the Bantu Swahili language remained so strong that they represented a cultural fusion, mostly limited to the coast.
Zenj
Arabic term for the east African coast
side note
Across central Africa, kingdoms developed that were supported by complex agrarian societies capable of great artistic achievements. At Benin, in the Kongo, in the Yoruba city-states, and at Great Zimbabwe, royal authority- often considered divinely inspired- led to the creation of powerful states.
demography
the study of population
demographic transition
shift to low birth rate, low infant death rate, stable populations; first emerged in western Europe and United States in late 19th century
Benin
Powerful city-state (in present -day Nigeria) which came into contact with the Portuguese in 1485 but remained relatively free of European influence; important commercial and political entity until the 19th century
Kongo
Kingdom, based on agriculture, formed on lower Congo River by late 15th century; capital at Mbanza Kongo; ruled by hereditary monarchy
Great Zimbabwe
Bantu confederation of Shona-speaking peoples located between Zambezi and Limpopo rivers; developed after 9th century; featured royal courts built of stone; created centralized state by 15th century; king took title of Mwene Mutapa
