East Africa was composed of many self governing city states. They traded with the interior Indian Ocean, China, and along the coast, and often traded slaves. Trade was influenced by Arab traders, and soon cultural diffusion began between African and Arab Culture. This created the new language of Swahili.
Fall of Aksum Kingdom 100-940 C.E.This kingdom had important military power and was a trading nation. They traded with China and India since coins from their civilization were found there as well as influenced them. They showed them what impact a fair government has on society. They reached its peak in 325-360 A.D when Ezana took over because the people believed that the Kings directly descended from God.
They reached their FALL when those who practice Islam(Muslims) invaded the kingdom. When the empire moved its capital to what is now northern Ethiopia, it relocated to a very isolated location to prevent ay more invasions. Unfortunately the depletion of forest and soil erosion, made the agricultural economy drop. since agriculture was the main way of living in the empire, without it led to its decline. Great Zimbabwe 11th-15th centuryThe Great Zimbabwe was created in the 11th century C.E. by Bantu speaking ancestors. It lasted for 300 years on the Zimbabwean Plateau (geography). Great Zimbabwe had the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara Desert. The ancient structure was a wall that was 36 feet high and approximately 820 feet long. Zimbabwe had fertile soil and provided mineral rich territories.
Great Zimbabwe worshiped Mwari, the supreme God in Shona Religion, and also believed in spirits. The wealthy Zimbabweans lived giant stone houses, while the peasants lived in well constructed mud huts outside of city center (Culture). One of the greatest advancements/ achievements of Great Zimbabwe was the Western (Great) Enclosure. This wall stood 32 ft high, and 800 ft long. Inside was the city center, which was populated by the elite. Gold was most likely the chief export of Great Zimbabwe, and cattle production created wealth. Recent discoveries of resources from China and West African societies suggested that they also had a strong trade network (economy). Great Zimbabwe had a King, Nobles, and religious leaders (political). Great Zimbabwe did not have much conflict and had a relatively peaceful reign (military). |
Kilwa 10th CenturyKilwa was the most important of the 35 Swahili coast trading communities on the Indian ocean during the 11th through 16th centuries. The island (geography) was the gateway to trade on the Indian ocean. In the 9th century, a trader named Ali Bin Al- Hasan, built the city into greatness. He built a mosque (religion), and created close trading ties. Kilwa's wealth came from exchange of gold, and iron from Great Zimbabwe, ivory and slaves from Tanzania, and jewelry, porcelain, and spices form Asia (economy).
Tidal currents and isolation kept the empire safe from attack (military). Wealthy inhabitants lived in one or two story houses with thick walls and heavy roofing. Their houses were decorated outside, and tapestries and ornaments covered the walls, and the floor was carpeted. However, the peasants lived in mud huts (society). The island of Kilwa became the most powerful city in the East African Coast (advancements). Kilwa was a Sultanate, which means they were governed by a Sultan, who was a Muslim sovereign (Political System). Mutapa 1430-1760 C.E.The Mutapa Empire was the most politically powerful Empire in the region during the 1470's. The Mutapa Empire was created after the Great Zimbabwe. The Kingdom was ruled by Munhumutapa, who was considered divine. To reach divinity, one must conquer Mutota incorporating other territorial tribes. The Empire was ruled on capital, provincial and village levels. Kin of the Munhumutapa controlled villages and provinces, and nevanjes controlled provinces. A feudal system was created.
Mutapa Empire was located in present day Zimbabwe, in the inland plateau, between the Zambezi and Limpopo River. In the 16th century, the Portuguese invaded the Mutapa Empire to mine for Gold. The Portuguese attempted to use the people of Mutapa to mine gold for them. The populaces fled the villages and violence pursued between Mutapa and the Portuguese private wealthy army. The empire had a monopoly of gold. It was a major commodity of trade, mining was an important economic activity, and revealing a gold mine sight was punishable by death. Iron and Ivory were also traded. Mutapa's religion consisted of Kings consulting spirits and royal ancestors. The ancestors advised the kings via mediums appointed by the court. Mhondoros, the mediums, maintained shrines and served as oral historians. The King was considered "Lord of the Sun and the Moon, King of the Land of the Rivers and Conquerors of Enemies." The people of Mutapa lived in an organized, complex society. Mutapa was rich in natural resources and thrived in trade. State sponsored markets called Feiras. They sold tools such as hoes and international tools. To prove loyalty, citizens had to pay tribute to the King by providing cattle. Mutapa Empire lived in peace for many years. There were many written records from the Portuguese who lived there. Many of their archaeological structures were greatly influenced by Great Zimbabwe. (Culture) Mutapa made useful tools from resources from all around the world. They made hoes with iron, and other tools with resources from China like porcelain. They also pioneered trade networks and organized government. (Advancements) |