UNIT FIVE NOTE 2017

PEOPLES AND STATES OF AFRICA TO 1500

1. African Linguistic Diversity
Africa is linguistically diverse, with over 1,000 interrelated languages grouped
into four major super-families:
Congo-Kordofanian: Includes the Niger-Congo branch (spoken across West Africa and
sub-Saharan Africa) and Kordofanian (in the Nuba Hills, Sudan). Bantu languages,
including Kiswahili, are part of this group.
Afro-Asiatic: Spoken in Northern Africa, the Sahara, and the Horn of Africa. Sub-
groups include Berber, Chadic, Coptic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Semitic.
Nilo-Saharan: Includes Chari-Nile, Songhay, Saharan, Meban, Koman, and Fur, spoken
mainly in Northeast and Central Africa.
Khoisan: Spoken in and around the Kalahari Desert by the Khoikhoi and San groups.
Non-native languages like Arabic (introduced by Muslim Arabs between the 7th–11th
centuries) and European colonial languages also have a significant presence.
2. Key States in North Africa to 1500
A. Mamluk Egypt
Origin: The Mamluks were Turkish-origin soldiers who declared independence from
Baghdad in 969 AD.
Achievements:
Ruled Egypt from 1250 to 1517.
Expanded into Palestine, Syria, Europe, and Asia.
Facilitated significant economic developments.
Decline: Due to corruption, agricultural decline, and external pressures, they were
defeated by the Ottoman Turks in 1517.
Relations with Ethiopia: Rulers like Zera Yacob sought smoother relations, but
conflicts over trade and religion dominated.
B. The Funj Sultanate
Origin: Founded in 1504 by cattle-keeping nomads in modern Sudan, with Sennar as
the capital.
Conflicts: Fought against Ethiopia’s Christian kingdom, notably defeated by King
Susenyos’ army around 1620.
Decline: Conquered by Muhammed Ali of Egypt in the 1820s.
5.3 Spread of Islam and Its Impact in West Africa
Introduction
Islam began spreading to Africa in the 7th century. After the Muslim Arabs
conquered Egypt in 642 AD, Islam expanded across North Africa and into southern
Spain. By the 11th century, a revival of Islam in North Africa, combined with Arab
immigration, had far-reaching effects on trade and culture, especially in West
Africa.
Impact of Islam on West Africa
1. Trade Enhancement:
Islam promoted trans-Saharan trade, connecting West Africa with the Mediterranean.
Commercial centers flourished as Muslim traders settled and facilitated the
exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.
This trade enriched both African and Muslim merchants, fostering economic growth.
2. Cultural Unity:
Islam introduced a shared religion and culture, fostering cooperation and mutual
understanding among diverse communities.
The religion encouraged the establishment of political empires and centralized
authority, blending religious and political power (e.g., the concept of the
caliph).
3. Islamic Scholarship:
Centers like Timbuktu became renowned for Islamic studies, spreading knowledge,
language, and law across the region.
Key West African Empires and Kingdoms
A. Ghana Empire (4th–11th Century)
Location: Parts of modern-day Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal.
Achievements:
Thrived on trans-Saharan trade, especially in gold and salt.

Established a vast empire under Soninke rulers.

Decline:
The Almoravid invasion (1076) contributed to Ghana’s fall, as Islam increasingly
influenced its politics and economy.
B. Mali Empire (13th–15th Century)
Founding: Established by Sundiata Keita after Ghana's fall.
Significance:
Mansa Musa (1312–1337), the greatest ruler, expanded Islam and made Mali wealthy
through trade and gold.
Timbuktu emerged as a center for Islamic learning and culture.
Decline: Inefficient leadership and external attacks weakened the empire.
C. Songhai Empire (15th–16th Century)
Origins: Initially subject to Ghana and Mali, it became independent in the late
14th century.
Achievements:
Controlled trans-Saharan trade routes and prospered from gold.
Developed strong ties with Berber traders.
Decline: Defeated by a Moroccan army in 1591 during the Battle of Tondibi.
D. Kanem-Bornu Empire (9th–19th Century)
Location: Grassland regions near modern Chad and Nigeria.
Economy: Relied on trade, which was secured by a strong military.
Decline: Trade routes shifted to the Atlantic, reducing inland commerce.
E. Hausa States (10th–16th Century)
Location: Present-day northern Nigeria.
Economy:
Based on agriculture and trans-Saharan trade.
Famous for leather goods, crafts, and textiles.
Cultural Note: The walled city of Kano became a hub for trade and culture.
Conclusion
The spread of Islam in West Africa significantly influenced trade, politics, and
culture. It contributed to the rise of powerful empires like Ghana, Mali, and
Songhai and facilitated the growth of commerce and education. The legacy of Islam
remains integral to the region's history and culture.
5.5 Equatorial, Central, and Eastern Africa
Introduction
In Equatorial, Central, and Eastern Africa, states and societies developed
gradually, influenced by migration, trade, and Islam. The spread of Bantu-speaking
peoples and their interactions with other cultures played a significant role in
shaping the region's history.
A) Kingdom of Kongo
Location: Along the lower Zaire River (modern-day Congo).
Origins: Founded by Bantu-speaking hunters and warriors in the late 14th century.
Economy:
Agriculture and trade were central.
Skilled smiths contributed to the economy.
European Contact:
Portuguese explorers arrived in 1482, followed by missionaries who introduced
Catholicism.
The Portuguese later colonized the kingdom.
B) Swahili City-States
Origins: Bantu-speaking communities settled along the Indian Ocean coast about
2,000 years ago.
Islamic Influence:
After the rise of Islam, Arab merchants integrated with local communities, forming
a unique Bantu-Arab culture.
The Swahili language, a blend of Bantu and Arabic, became widespread in East
Africa.
Economy:
Coastal cities like Kilwa, Mombasa, Zanzibar, and Sofala thrived on trade in gold,
ivory, and other goods.
Commercial ties extended to Arabia, Persia, India, and China.
Portuguese Arrival:
The Portuguese established trading forts (e.g., Sofala in 1505) and sought to
dominate the region’s trade.
5.6 Southern Africa
A) Great Zimbabwe
Founders: Bantu-speaking Shona people (circa AD 1000).
Key Features:
Known for the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, with its large stone walls and tower.
Part of a trading empire that connected to the Swahili city-states.
Gold mining and cattle husbandry were economic mainstays.
Decline: After 1450, the Rozwi clan established the Mwene Mutapa Empire, later
conquered by the Portuguese in the late 16th century.
B) The Khoi-Khoi
Lifestyle: Originally hunters, they transitioned to sheep and cattle breeding
around AD 1000.
Expansion: By the 15th century, they were well-established in southern Africa.
European Impact: Dutch settlers in the mid-17th century displaced the Khoi-Khoi,
forcing them into the Kalahari Desert. Europeans derogatorily referred to them as
"Hottentots."
C) The San
Lifestyle: Hunter-gatherers living in parts of modern Angola and Namibia.
Cultural Characteristics:
Used bows with poison-tipped arrows for hunting.
Spoke Khoisan languages with distinctive clicking sounds.
European Displacement: The Dutch settlers pushed the San into the Kalahari Desert,
where they continue their traditional lifestyle.
Conclusion
Equatorial, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa saw the rise of diverse societies
shaped by Bantu migrations, trade, and external influences like Islam and European
colonization. The legacy of these societies continues to influence the cultural and
historical landscape of Africa.
5.7 Africa's Intra and Intercontinental Relations
Introduction
Africa's relations with itself (intra-continental) and other continents
(intercontinental) have been shaped by trade, religion, and exploration. While
intra-continental relations were established early, intercontinental interactions
gained momentum after the advent of trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic trade.
Intra-Continental Relations
Trans-Saharan Trade:
The Sahara Desert initially served as a barrier but became a link for trade after
the introduction of camels in the 4th century.
This trade route connected peoples from north and south of the Sahara, fostering
cultural and economic ties.
Gold and salt were the primary goods exchanged, along with ivory, textiles, and
later enslaved people.
Intercontinental Relations
Early Contacts:
Arabs and Persians traded extensively with North and East Africa, exchanging goods
and ideas.
Islam spread to sub-Saharan Africa, influencing culture, politics, and trade.
European Contact:
Beginning in the mid-15th century, Europeans (Portuguese and Spaniards) explored
Africa, seeking dominance in global trade.
This interaction opened the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, leading to significant
socio-political and economic changes in Africa.
5.8 Trans-Saharan Trade
Development
Originating in pre-existing regional trade, trans-Saharan trade became prominent in
the 4th century due to camels' ability to traverse the desert.
Two main routes:
West and West-Central Africa to North-West Africa.
North Africa to Kanem (Central Sahara), with a sub-branch to Egypt.
Key Features
Traded Goods:
Gold (from West Africa) and salt (from North Africa) were the most important items.
Enslaved people became prominent trade goods after the 7th-century Arab expansion.
Economic Impact:
Strengthened the economies of West African empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
Cultural Impact:
Facilitated Islamization in West and West-Central Africa.
Encouraged the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and technology.
5.9 Early Contacts with the Outside World
Key Interactions
Arab and Persian Influence:
Extensive trade on the East African coast fostered cultural exchange.
Islam became a dominant religion in North and East Africa.
European Exploration:
Portuguese and Spanish navigators initiated Africa's connection with Europe.
Europeans perceived Africa as a contrast to their "superiority," creating a
racialized view of the continent.
Impact of European Contact
Economic Changes:
Establishment of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Disruption of traditional African economies.
Cultural and Political Influence:
European powers imposed their languages, governance structures, and trade systems.
Africa's diverse cultures and political systems began to adapt under external
pressures.
Conclusion
Africa's intra- and intercontinental relations were foundational to its development
and integration into global systems. Trade routes like the trans-Saharan and trans-
Atlantic networks influenced the region's economy, culture, and politics. The
effects of these interactions, especially European colonization and the slave
trade, continue to shape Africa today.