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The African Trading States: West Africa

The African Trading States: West Africa. Bell Ringer : What was the Great Zimbabwe and why was it so significant to the Shona?. West Africa. There were several societies in West Africa mostly between Lake Chad and the Atlantic.

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The African Trading States: West Africa

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  1. The African Trading States: West Africa Bell Ringer: What was the Great Zimbabwe and why was it so significant to the Shona?

  2. West Africa • There were several societies in West Africa mostly between Lake Chad and the Atlantic. • Wealth and strength came from Trade Route control across the Sahara. • Gold and Salt were high trade items. Gold mined south of Sahel, traded for salt mined in the desert. • Gold was for further trade, salt for preservation. • By 1500 trade grew to include slaves, textiles, copper, jewels. • Ruled by Monarchies.

  3. Ghana • Earliest Kingdom of West Africa. • Established by the Soninke people after 300. • Began as an old trading village of Kumbi. Profited from gold and salt. • Used iron tools to farm and clear land for farming and grazing. Responsible for Agriculture along the Niger River. • Built large armies at peak of the kingdom 1050. • In 1235 the Malinke people overthrew Ghana to form Mali.

  4. Mali • Followed the fall of Ghana, in the same area, along the upper Niger River. • Led by ruler: Mansa Musa, who supported education, arts, and public building. Under his rule Timbuktu became the center of learning. • Made pilgrimage to Mecca. • Disputes about successor after Musa, led to weakening. Kept control until 1400’s. In 1468 rebel leader Sonni ‘Ali captured Timbuktu and built Songhai Kingdom.

  5. Songhai • Centered around Gao, on the Niger River. Stretched from the Atlantic to Lake Chad. • Lead by Sonni ‘Ali, and successor Mohammed I Askia. • Askia lead them to strong commercial center, with goods from Europe, India, China, and a mix of merchants. • Timbuktu was the center. • After Askia there was a decline: Groups fought, leading to weakness.

  6. Homework • Chapter 8, Section 3 Review. • 1, 3 (For #1 do all terms minus Swahili, Shona) • Due tomorrow at the start of class. • Binders checked tomorrow for your weekly points.

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