West Africa Before the Europeans: Resources and boundaries

The video explores the historical sources of the Kingdom of Congo and Mali, highlighting the challenges historians face in accessing pre-slave trade history. It discusses the written and oral sources available for Congo, including early Christian influences and Portuguese literacy. For Mali, it examines Arab accounts and manuscripts, with a focus on Timbuktu. The video also covers the geographical boundaries of West African kingdoms, emphasizing the role of the Savannah in their expansion. Finally, it analyzes the impact of climate changes on trade routes and warfare, particularly in relation to the Sahara.

In what ways does geography influence the expansion of West African kingdoms?

What relationship exists between dry periods in the medieval period and warfare in West Africa?