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Part I: Readings. Go to each station and read the text in order to complete the organizer below.Ancient AfricaWhy is such an important place (Africa) stigmatized and misunderstood?- Stories and pictures in the news, the legacies of European colonialism and the slave trade, attitudes conjured up through racial dissention within America, and simple neglect or avoidance of its ancient history have all distorted modern perceptions of the African continent and its people.From the beginning of the Common Era to the period of European imperialism, how can the continent of Africa be characterized?- Africa can be characterized as worlds of great empires, royal courts, pastoral nomads, tribal chiefs, stone palaces, intricate art, and glorious gold emerged, collapsed, and intertwined.Though the details are different, what do the kingdoms and societies of Africa have in common? Cite at least 4 ways.a. Similar patterns in the development of each African kingdom/societyb. Similar patterns in the decline of each African kingdom/societyc. Resources, locations, economies, governments, and social divisions are linked to a common foundationd. Repeated patterns are evident in the kingdoms’ downfalls during their difficult transition to becoming a state societyHow have anthropologists and historians pieced together Africa’s remarkable but largely unwritten history?- Through clues that range from art to oral accounts.Kingdom of GhanaWhat modern African countries made up the historic kingdom of Ghana?- Mauritania, Mali, and SenegalWho “reported” most of what historians know about the kingdom of Ghana? What trade network was Ghana a part of?- Arab travelers who came in contact with the nation’s peoples reported most of what historians know - Ghana was a leading force in the trans-Saharan trade network because of its richness in goldKingdom of GhanaDescribe the political structure of the Kingdom of Ghana.- The leader of all leaders was the king (aka ghana or war chief). He was in charge at all times and his word was law. The king served as the commander in chief of a highly organized army, controlled all trade activities, and was the head administrator of justice. He also appointed all mayors, civil servants, counselors, and ministers to assist with administrative duties. Each day, the king assembled his court and allowed people to publicly voice their complaints. He listened to their complaints and gave his judgment. The criminally accused were made to drink a foul concoction. If the accused vomited, he was declared innocent. Otherwise, he suffered the king’s wrath.Explain the Trans-Saharan Trade network. Who did they trade with? For what? - A system of trade between sub-Saharan Africa and the northern Arabs and Europeans- Ghana traded gold, ivory, and slaves for salt from Arabs and horses, cloth, swords, and books from North Africans and EuropeansHow did the kingdom of Ghana collapse?- Ghana became weakened by attacks from its neighbors who grew jealous, fearful, and angry of their increasing power. They were also being cut off from international trade, which left them vulnerable and unable to prevent defeat. Eventually, in 1240 C.E., Ghana was absorbed into the growing nation of Mali, which would soon become the next great empire. Great ZimbabweWho was responsible for constructing sixty acres of immense stone ruins in an ancient city in Great Zimbabwe? Why was this so difficult to believe?- Africans were responsible for building this complex city- Many Westerners argued that such amazing structures, which consisted of buildings made of heavy un- mortared granite blocks arranged and stacked tightly together, could not have been crafted in Africa without European influence or assistanceWhy was Great Zimbabwe a good place for Shona-speaking people to settle?- The land of Zimbabwe was fertile enough to support farming and herding. Zimbabwe also contained mineral-rich territories that provided gold, iron, copper, and tin for trading and crafting.Why do archaeologists and anthropologists believe that the Great Enclosure was the city’s center and occupied by the rich?- Remnants of exotic items from overseas were found within the enclosure; no evidence of cooking was found within the walled area, which likely means that food was prepared elsewhere by servants and delivered to the wealthy inhabitants upon demand; and evidence of only 100-200 residents is shownGreat Zimbabwe participated in a comprehensive trade network during the 13th and 14th centuries. Explain how archaeologists and anthropologists know this statement is true.- Discoveries of Chinese porcelain, engraved glass from the Middle East, and metal ornaments from West Africa provide evidence that Great Zimbabwe participated in a comprehensive trade network during the 13th and 14th centuries.14. What factors contributed to the end of the Great Zimbabwe society? - The city’s trade activity declined and the people began to migrate elsewhere. There was also a decline in soil quality and fertility.Life on the Desert15. What are pastoral nomads? What is the basic unit of the nomadic social organization? - Wanderers who travel with herds of domesticated animals who are constantly on the move, with no permanent camping place- Tribes, which are highly structured, are the basic unit of the nomadic social organization who break into smaller clans and family units for wandering purposes16. Where did most of Bedouin history take place? Where did many tribes come from?- Much of the Bedouin history took place in northern Africa - Many of the tribes came from the Sahara17. What was the goal of the Arab Muslims in Berber-occupied northern Africa? Were they successful?- Their goals were to teach the fundamentals of Islam and establish regional, political, and religious unity under the rule of a Muslim leader, or caliph- Although the invasion was intense, the primary goals were accomplished18. What two branches was Islam divided into as a result of this invasion?- Sunni and Shia19. What modern North African countries did the Bedouin invade?- They invaded Egypt and Libya, and some even continued on to the coast of Morocco20. What is Arabization?- The teaching and spreading of Islamic culture ................
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