Unit 1 - Africa (State Building) 1200 - 1450

Question 1

Swahili Civilization

Answer 1

sub-saharan, or below the sahara desert empire that emerged in Africa’s east coast in the 8th century, a collection of independent city states rising to power and increasing economy due to their strategic location on the coast and bustling east ocean trade. They were heavily focused on trades, with goods imported from farmers and pastoralists. Each city was ruled by its own king, and there was conflict between them. No larger, unified political structure unifying the states. Grew in power due to indian ocean trade.

Question 2

Islam’s effect on Swahili Civilization

Answer 2

Islam was a dominant belief system that took place voluntarily due to them having strong trade relationships with Muslim merchants, who were very dominant during the time, connecting them to the wider economy of Dar-al-Islam. Merchants from Islamic empires were interested in gold, ivory, timber and slaves from Africa. The Swahili language was also influenced by Islam because the language was a hybrid between the Bantu family of languages and Arabic. Had a hierarchical class structure where merchants were above commoners because of this.

Question 3

Great Zimbabwe

Answer 3

Empire in Sub-saharan Africa that also rose to power and gained economic power by joining in trade across the Indian Ocean and controlling ports on the coast. They mainly exported gold, but also had an economy centralized on farming and cattle hoarding. This money was used to build a massive capital city, one of the largest structures in Africa.

Question 4

The Hausa Kingdoms

Answer 4

Large centralized empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhay rose to power and fell in west and east africa. The Hausa Kingdoms were able to stay during our time period (1200s) however. A collection of city states between the west and east states empires that were politically independent and gained power and wealth through trade across the trans-saharan trade network. Had many similarities to the Swahili’s state government, social hierarchy, religious ideas and more.

Question 5

Ethiopia

Answer 5

While most african states adopted Islam to organize their society and facilitate trade with the larger Dar-al-Islam network, Ethiopia was an east african state that was Christian. Christian rulers in Ethiopia facilitated the construction of massive temples. Became wealthy through trading salt in the larger Indian Ocean Network and the Mediterranean Sea. Had centralized power with king at top and social class hierarchy.