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1200 – 1450 CE Overview
AP WORLD HISTORY HOMEPAGE
Learn about three of the civilizations in Africa before 1450 CE. Check out the Google Slides to get lots of information about Great Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and the Hausa kingdoms.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe, located near modern-day Masvingo, Zimbabwe, stands as a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of pre-colonial African civilizations. The name itself, derived from the Shona language, signifies “stone houses,” reflecting the city’s awe-inspiring architecture and ingenuity. Beginning around 1100 C.E., Great Zimbabwe served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, a Shona trading empire.
The defining feature of Great Zimbabwe is its intricate stone structures. Its massive walls, towers, and the iconic Great Enclosure were constructed without the use of mortar, demonstrating advanced masonry skills. The Great Enclosure, in particular, is believed to have served as both a royal palace and a religious center. The city’s unique architecture is a testament to the engineering prowess of its inhabitants.
Trade played a pivotal role in the kingdom’s prosperity. Positioned at the crossroads of major trade routes, Great Zimbabwe controlled the exchange of valuable commodities like gold, ivory, and ceramics. This wealth allowed for the construction of the city’s monumental structures and advanced the culture’s material and artistic expressions.
The decline of Great Zimbabwe and its eventual abandonment around the 15th century remain topics of scholarly debate. Proposed causes range from ecological changes and resource depletion to political instability.
Social
Great Zimbabwe had a complex social structure with a centralized authority.
Society was hierarchical, with a ruling elite at the top, most likely including a monarch.
Archaeological evidence suggests social differentiation in terms of access to resources and power.
Political
Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the powerful Shona Kingdom.
The kingdom was likely governed by a centralized authority, with the Great Enclosure possibly serving as the royal palace.
There is debate among scholars regarding the exact political structure, including the nature of the rulership.
Interactions with the Environment
Great Zimbabwe was strategically located at the crossroads of trade routes, facilitating long-distance trade with other African civilizations.
The kingdom accumulated wealth through controlling trade in valuable commodities, including gold, ivory, and ceramics.
It had interactions with surrounding cultures and polities through trade, possibly contributing to the exchange of ideas and technologies.
Culture
The architecture of Great Zimbabwe, particularly the dry stone walls and structures like the Great Enclosure, reflects advanced masonry skills.
The site is significant for its cultural and historical symbolism, representing the achievements of indigenous African societies.
They worshipped Mwari, the great god of the Shona religion.
Economics
Great Zimbabwe’s economy was based on trade, especially the trade of gold and cattle.
The control of trade routes and resources was a key source of wealth for the kingdom.
Agricultural practices, including crop cultivation and livestock, likely supported the local population and contributed to the kingdom’s economy.
Technology
The construction of dry stone walls without the use of mortar is a remarkable technological achievement of Great Zimbabwe.
The architecture and engineering skills demonstrated at the site are a testament to the knowledge and expertise of its builders.
The use of terracotta figurines and pottery also reflects the technological capabilities of the inhabitants.
Shona People
The Shona people are a Bantu ethnic group primarily found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and other neighboring regions of southern Africa. The Shona are one of the largest ethnic groups in the region and have a rich cultural heritage. The Shona language, known as ChiShona, is widely spoken and has several dialects.
Agriculture: The Shona people have a long history of farming, and agriculture plays a central role in their culture. Maize, millet, sorghum, and other crops are cultivated, and livestock such as cattle and goats are also important for their livelihood.
Extended Families: Shona society is organized around extended families and clans. Family ties are strong, and the extended family often plays a crucial role in social, economic, and cultural activities.
Spirituality: Traditional Shona religion involves a belief in a supreme creator and ancestral spirits. Ancestor worship and rituals are important aspects of their spirituality.
Art and Craftsmanship: Shona people are known for their art, particularly stone sculpture. Shona stone sculptures are renowned for their quality and artistic expression and are highly valued in the global art market.
Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral to Shona culture. Traditional music is played on instruments such as the mbira (thumb piano), drums, and rattles. Various dances are performed during ceremonies and celebrations.
Language: ChiShona is the language of the Shona people and is one of the 16 official languages in Zimbabwe. It is spoken by millions of people and has several dialects.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has been home to different kingdoms since the 8th century BCE. Christianity arrived in Ethiopia in the 4th century CE. It was one of the few Christian areas in Africa, and it worked with the Roman Catholic Church to fight the growth of Islam.
Kinship was very important socially. Multiple generations would live in the same household, and great respect was shown for older generations.
Most people in Ethiopia farmed or raised livestock. However, it was also an important trading hub. They traded ivory, gold, salt, frankincense, and myrrh. Trading partners included the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, and the Roman Empire.
Hausa Kingdoms
The Hausa Kingdoms were a group of independent city-states and small kingdoms located in what is now northern Nigeria.
Location: The Hausa Kingdoms were situated in the region known as the “Hausa-land,” which covered parts of northern Nigeria, southern Niger, and northeastern Cameroon.
City-States: The Hausa Kingdoms were organized as a collection of independent city-states, each ruled by a local king or emir.
Economic Activities: The economy of the Hausa Kingdoms was based on a combination of agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. They cultivated crops such as millet, sorghum, and beans and were known for their skills in blacksmithing, leatherworking, and weaving.
Trade Networks: The Hausa Kingdoms were strategically located along trans-Saharan trade routes, which allowed them to engage in extensive trade. They traded goods like textiles, leather products, and agricultural produce with North African and Mediterranean regions.
Religion: While the majority of the population practiced indigenous African religions, there was a significant presence of Islam in the region. Over time, Islam gained prominence and influenced various aspects of Hausa culture and governance.
Hausa Language: The Hausa language served as a lingua franca in the region and facilitated communication among the diverse city-states. It remains one of the most widely spoken languages in West Africa.
Political Structure: Each city-state had its own ruler, often referred to as an emir. These rulers held varying degrees of power, but they were generally responsible for the administration of their territories.
Art and Culture: The Hausa people were known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The region produced unique architectural designs and colorful clothing.
Decline and Colonial Era: In the 19th century, the Fulani Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio resulted in the consolidation of some Hausa states into the Sokoto Caliphate. Later, the British colonial administration further reshaped the political landscape.
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