Transcript Chapter 15: Societies and Empires in Africa

Chapter 15: Societies and
Empires in Africa
800-1500
How did Geography and Climate influence development in
Africa?
• Great variety
between
regions
– Climate
– Topography
– Landforms
North and Central African Societies:
Hunting-gathering societies formed close-knit
family groups
• Oldest in world
• Still around
• Provide clues
about ancient times
Hunting-Gathering Societies: Forest Dwellers
• Efe people
• Republic of the
Congo
• Small groups of 20100 related people
• Women gather
• Men hunt
Hunting-Gathering Societies: Social Structure
• Respected older male
is group leader
• not a chief
• Each family makes
own decisions-free to
come and go
Guided Reading:
#1 What were the characteristics of hunter
gatherer societies?
• Semi-nomadic
• Few
possessions,
distinctive
hunting
techniques
Guided Reading:
#2 Why were written laws not necessary?
• If conflict could
not be settled
through
discussion,
then members
could move to
a different
band
Stateless Societies near the coast, were based on
lineage and extended family ties
• What is a lineage?
– Family groups based
on a common ancestor
– Living members
– Past generations
– Future generations
– Strong loyalty
Guided Reading:
3. What are characteristics of stateless societies?
• balance authority
among lineages
of equal power
• Societies may be
– patri-lineal
– matri-lineal
• Men usually hold
positions of
authority
Guided Reading:
#4 What are some advantages of an age-set
system?
• Young form
close ties
outside their
lineage
• taught the
duties and
responsibilities
required at
different life
stages
Muslim Societies developed in North Africa with the spread
of Islam in the 600’s-700’s AD
• African rulers
converted
• Based
government
on Islamic Law
(Sharia)
• Muslim rulers
relied on
religious
scholars as
government
advisors
Who were the Berbers?
•
•
•
•
•
Desert, mountain dwellers
Indigenous to N. Africa
Accepted Islam
Maintained Berber Identity
Almoravids and Almohads found empires that united N. Africa
What was the main effect of Berber Rule on the
region?
• Spread N.
African culture
• United through
Islamic
teaching
• North/South
Trade
flourished
Guided Reading:
#5 What are some characteristics of a Muslim theocracy?
– Religious
leaders are
political rulers
– Obeying the law
is a religious
obligation
Guided Reading: How did Muslim Law affect
individual Islamic States?
• Brought stability
and order
West African Civilizations
• While the Almohads
and Almoravids
were building
empires in N. Africa,
three powerful
empire flourished in
West Africa
• Arose in the Sahel,
the savanna region
just south of the
Sahara
• Grew strong by
controlling trade
West African Civilizations
H:\West African Civilizations.doc