Global 12.1 Early Civilizations of Africa

Page Index

=Geography=


 * Evidence points to the possibility that at one point the Sahara Desert was actually full of rivers and forests. As it dried out in a process known as "desertification," the people of Africa began to migrate and push south across the continent. By tracking the language patterns (Bantu is the root African language), of the people of Africa, scientists believe they can track the "Bantu Migrations" across the continent.

=Nile Kingdom of Nubia=
 * The kingdom of Nubia was south of Egypt on the upper Nile. Nubia was frequently at war with Egypt on the upper Nile. Nubia was frequently at war with Egypt and changed from enemies to wary trading partners often.
 * Nubia spread goods through trade and produced large amounts of iron that they spread across the known world.
 * Carthage, a strong trade power, ruled over much of North Africa. They were soon overthrown by the Romans. Rome brought their roads, aqueducts, gladiators, and Christianity to Africa.
 * The camel, "The ship of the desert," revolutionized trade across the Sahara. Camels can carry up to 500 pounds and can walk 20 to 30 miles a day without water. Camel caravans brought prosperity to many merchants on both sides of the Sahara.
 * Trade dominated life in North Africa, a network for trade linked West Africa, the Mediterranean, and the savannas south of the Sahara.
 * Gold and salt dominated trade across the Sahara.