State Standard 4.3.1 - Describe the diverse characteristics of early African societies and the significant changes in African society
Compare and contrast two major civilizations in Africa, include descriptions of each country’s environment, economy, religion, politics, and social hierarchy, noting differences and similarities between the two civilizations:
Located in modern Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Aksum was a trading empire from 100 CE until 940 CE. Aksum was the greatest market of northeastern Africa until Islamic expansion isolated the Kingdom economically. Aksum was arguably as advanced as the Western European societies of the time. The city of Axum still exists in northern Ethiopia.
The east coast of Africa, comprising the coastal areas of modern nations of Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, has developed an identity very different from that of other African regions. This is partly due to the assimilation of Islamic and Persian culture through traders, which has given it a unique mixture of African and Middle Eastern influences, as well as strong links with India. Urban centers evolved gradually from the 6th century onward to accommodate for an increase in trade (mainly with Arab merchants), population growth, and further centralized urbanization, developing into what would later become known as the Swahili city-states.
The Kingdom of Zimbabwe, of which Great Zimbabwe was the capital, existed between circa 1220 and 1450 in modern-day Zimbabwe. The word zimbabwe translates from the Bantu language of the Shona to either “judicial center” or “ruler’s court or house.” Zimbabwe possesses the most extensive ancient gold-workings known to the world. Cattle were another important factor of Zimbabwe civilization. Zimbabwe's prosperity continued until the mid-15th century. At this time, the city's trade activity declined and the people began to migrate elsewhere
The Ghana Empire dominated central West African trade in the upper valley of the Niger River from the 6th or 7th century CE. Control of regional trade was a lucrative business for the kings of Ghana who passed on goods like gold, ivory, hides, ostrich feathers, and slaves to the Muslim merchants
MaliThe Empire of Mali was established around 1235 CE. It began to lose power in the 1400s and fully collapsed in 1600 CE. The Mali Empire controlled important trade routes across the Sahara Desert to Europe and the Middle East. People were divided into castes. One of the most respected castes were the farmers. Farmers were highly regarded because they provided food.
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The Songhai Empire lasted from 1464 to 1591. Prior to the 1400s, the Songhai were under the rule of the Mali Empire. Recognizing the weakness at the center of Mali, the city of Gao rebelled in 1375. Songhai then began its own imperial expansion at the expense of Mali.