African Empires

African Empires

by Michael Daly

​African History

Sources of African history are limited.

1. ​Many Western historians claimed Africa was not "civilized" and had no history

2. ​Many African societies were non-literate

   1. ​There are very few resources to study.

   2. ​Books, notes, and letters from rulers are absent.

African History

​This does not mean that there is no history:

​

• Outside writers such as classical writers, missionaries and Arabic writers documented African history.

• ​Griots kept the history of Africa alive through oral history

​Griots

• ​This was a family job - Griots were trained from a young age.

• ​Music helps griots to remember the story.

• ​Epic of Sundiata is famous. From this we know:

  • ​Sundiata united the kingdoms

  • ​Sundiata had advisers

  • ​Sundiata was powerful

Poll

I understand why there is so little known about some aspects of African hsitory

• Yes, I understand

• I have some questions

• I don't get it. 

Multiple Choice

A griot is an example of

• hierarchy

• oral history

• sacrifice

• polytheism

Multiple Choice

In the Epic of Sundiata, we learn that many African people believed in the power of magic.

• True

• False

Poll

In the Epic of Sundiata, it is clear that

• Sundiata had advisers

• Sundiata had wise advisers

• Sundiata is a good leader because he used advisers

• All are correct.

​Trade Routes

• ​Timbuktu and Djenne were wealthy economic centers in the gold and silver trade.

• ​People travelled to these places for commerce and learning.

• ​Controlling this trade could lead to great wealth.

The Songhai and Trade Routes

• ​Used regional commanders to control the empire.

• ​Picked loyal people to keep trade safe.

• ​Did not rely on religion.

• ​Angered some Muslims.

• ​Granted religious freedom.

​Benefits of Trade

• ​New products for purchase by businesses and consumers.

• ​Jobs in exporting and importing

• ​Increased satisfaction.

• ​Tax money!

• ​Buy from places with excess.

• ​Competition leads to progress

​Fall of Songhai Empire

• ​Wealth attracts others!

• ​Morocco overthrows Songhai empire with gunpowder weapons

• ​Wanted control over the gold and salt mines

Poll

I understand how the Songhai Empire controlled trade and how trade makes a country prosperous.

• I got it

• I have some questions.

• I am lost.

Open Ended

How did the Songhai become wealthy? You cannot just list items they controlled.