western africa
DESCRIPTION
Western Africa. Geography and History. African Regions. There are 5 main African Regions: Northern Region Central Region Western Region Eastern Region Southern Region. Note: Africa is the only continent centered on the equator. Africa is spread over all four hemispheres. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Western AfricaGeography and History
African Regions
There are 5 main African Regions: Northern Region Central Region Western Region Eastern Region Southern Region
Note: Africa is the only continent centered on the equator
Africa is spread over all four hemispheres.
African Waterways
Africa is surrounded by 4 bodies of water
Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Red Sea Mediterranean Sea
Geography
Central Africa has a large rainforest
Geography
The Nile River is the longest River in the world!
Geography
The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world.
It’s located in the Northern Region.
Trade
Camels were the main form of transportation across the desert for trade.
Trade
Many items were traded across the Sahara desert.
Gold Salt
Homes were made of: Grass (thatched) roofsMud, grass, water, sticks, branches
Empires
There were 3 main empires in ancient Western Africa.› Ghana› Mali› Songhai
Ghana
300-1235 A.D. First trading empire – trade caravans Traded gold for salt with Europe and
the Middle East – they were of equal value
Main religion: Islam Ghana was defeated by the king of Mali
in 1235.
Mali
1235-1464 Farming empire Trans-Saharan Trade Mansa Musa – greatest ruler Religion - Islam
Songhai
1464-1585 King: Sunni Ali Greatest trade empire of West Africa Last great trade empire of West Africa Taken over by North Africa
Village Life
Farming› Most important activity› Grew millet (wheat grain)› Raised chickens, goats, and cows› Traded others in the region for food they
could not produce themselves.
Religion, Dance, and Music
One god created their world Many, lesser gods ruled over daily life Islam was also popular Needed to please the gods, or bad
things would happen.› Music and Dancing
Family
Life was centered around the family. Families were very large – included
mother, father, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, sons’ wives and children…often all in one house!
Kinship
Government
Kinship, or family relationship was basis for government
Lived in clans Male head of each clan became a
village chief.› Decided when to plant and harvest› Formed armies› Resolved conflicts› Acted as judge