African Civilizations of the Middle Ages African Societies

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African Civilizations of the Middle Ages

African Civilizations of the Middle Ages

African Societies The spread of Islam through much of the northern third of Africa

African Societies The spread of Islam through much of the northern third of Africa resulted in more trade & commerce Military power and dynastic alliances based on cultural unity Stateless Societies: Organized around kinship Characteristics of Stateless Societies Lacking concentrated political power & authority Power exercised by rulers or a council of families No taxes Some secret societies Many thrived

Animistic religion was commonly practiced throughout much of Africa Economics: Based on Agriculture

Animistic religion was commonly practiced throughout much of Africa Economics: Based on Agriculture Trade Specialization Kinship groups sometimes controlled trade

The Arrival of Islam to N. Africa As part of the Roman & Greek

The Arrival of Islam to N. Africa As part of the Roman & Greek Empires Christianity was main religion Muhammad’s followers swept across N. Africa spreading Islam Arab & Berber armies Spread of Islam into Europe was stopped by Charles Martel & the Franks at the Battle of Tours Islam appealed to African kings the most

Christian Kingdoms Two Christian Kingdoms: Axum and Ethiopia King Lalibela- King of Ethiopia Built

Christian Kingdoms Two Christian Kingdoms: Axum and Ethiopia King Lalibela- King of Ethiopia Built Christian state Built 12 stone churches

Kingdoms the Grasslands Islam spread via travelers & merchants Ghana was powerful Taxed salt

Kingdoms the Grasslands Islam spread via travelers & merchants Ghana was powerful Taxed salt & gold Islam was considered a “royal cult” Islam reinforced indigenous ideas of kinship

Mali was the second of the grassland kingdoms. Juula – Malinke merchants Gold

Mali was the second of the grassland kingdoms. Juula – Malinke merchants Gold Sundiata- takes the title mansa (ruler) Mansa Musa (greatest leader in Mali) Makes a pilgrimage to Mecca Ibn Battuta- A Muslim traveler that recorded journals of his travels.

Jenne & Timbuktu two important trading cities Thrived with expansion on Mali, Songhay

Jenne & Timbuktu two important trading cities Thrived with expansion on Mali, Songhay was the last grassland kingdom Sunni Ali (1464 -1492): 1 st king Expanded territory

Political and Social life in Sudanic States Common religion and law (Sharia) provided solidarity

Political and Social life in Sudanic States Common religion and law (Sharia) provided solidarity Slavery and slave trade between black Africa and the rest of the Islamic world impacted women and children In theory, Muslims viewed slavery as a process of conversion for pagans

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