Civilizations of East Africa

In previous modules, you learned that trade, for example along the Silk Road in the sixth to fourteenth centuries, played an important role in the growth and development of the communities in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Caravans followed these trade routes with items like clothes, spices, glass, porcelain, soap, gunpowder, furs, paper, silver, gold, amber, ivory, carpets, and perfume. Maritime routes across the Indian Ocean allowed cultural exchange between Africa and the far East, which proved a great factor in the development of several prosperous civilizations during the medieval period, two of which were the kingdoms of Axum and Zimbabwe. Located near the Ethiopian Highlands and the Nile River between the third and sixth centuries A.D. (C.E.), Axum became a great market. During the fourth century, the kingdom became politically and economically tied to Roman Egypt, which prompted the growth of Christianity. While Axum was impressive in its domination of northeastern African trade and culture, Zimbabwe was the most powerful kingdom in southern Africa from 1300 to 1450 A.D. (C.E.). This wealthy community utilized the Indian Ocean trade routes to connect with Asia. In this interactivity, you will explore more about the kingdoms of East Africa. Click the player button to begin.

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Civilizations of West Africa

Camels are very interesting animals. They are strong, easy to breed, and live for a long time. The most astonishing trait of camels, however, is their ability to withstand the harsh desert environment because of the water they store in fat cells for later use. These animals were introduced to Sub-Saharan Africa by caravans, the preferred method of travel along the Trans-Saharan Trade Route. Used primarily from the eighth to sixteenth centuries, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, also known as the Sand Road, linked Sub-Saharan Africa to Eastern Africa and the areas around the Mediterranean Sea. In this interactivity, you will examine the West African civilizations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, which developed around the Sahara and Niger River. Click the player button to begin.

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The African Kingdoms Review

Now that you have explored the civilizations of East and West Africa, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.