State Building in Africa (1200-1450 CE)

Central Question

• To what extent was state building in African kingdoms and empires similar during the period of 1200 to 1450 CE?
• Focus on similarities and differences within African civilizations.

Context

• By 1000 CE, Sub-Saharan Africa adopted agriculture leading to surplus creation.
• Connected to trade networks:
  • Indian Ocean Trade Network
  • Trans-Saharan Trade Networks
• Spread of Islam began in the mid-7th century, influencing North and parts of West and East Africa.
• Pre-Islamic beliefs included animal veneration, animism, and shamanism.
• Kin-based networks were common, leading to decentralized governance, with male chiefs managing family conflicts.

Language and State Systems

• African state systems demonstrate:
  • Continuity
  • Innovation
  • Diversity
  • Expanded scope and reach

Key Examples of Kingdoms and Empires

Hausa Kingdoms

• Comprised seven states in modern-day Nigeria.
• Decentralized governance; culturally connected, politically independent.
• Benefited from Trans-Saharan trade, trading gold, ivory, and salt.
• Islam introduced around the 14th century, leading to changes in governance and trade.

Ghana

• Located in West Africa, founded around the 5th century, peaked between the 8th-11th centuries.
• Rulers controlled significant trade resources (gold, ivory, copper, cloth, salt).
• Capital: Kumbay Salih.
• Decentralized government with organized bureaucracy and military using iron weapons.

Mali Empire

• Emerged around the 12th century, powerful trading society.
• Founded by Muslim ruler Sundiata, leveraging Islamic connections for trade.
• Notable architecture: Great Mosque of Djenné, a cultural and intellectual center.
• Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man in history, promoted learning in Timbuktu and famously displayed his wealth during his Hajj.

Great Zimbabwe

• Established in the 9th century in East Africa; connected to Indian Ocean trade.
• Known for stone structures built without mortar, serving as protective sites.
• At its height, home to around 20,000 people but later abandoned due to overgrazing.

Ethiopia (Axum)

• Early adoption of Christianity (1st century), unique brand of Christianity developed.
• Influenced by local traditions, built massive rock-hewn churches.
• Strong cultural identity maintained despite the rise of Islam.

Slavery in Africa

• Long history predating European arrival; used for prisoners of war, debt payment, and criminal punishment.
• Early forms of slavery involved agricultural labor.
• Chattel slavery developed, increasing in demand and social status linked to slave ownership.
• Indian Ocean slave trade existed before European involvement.
• Zange Rebellion (869-883) was a notable slave revolt in history.

Cultural Influences

• Griots: storytellers and songwriters preserving history through oral tradition.
• Important for uniting communities and serving as advisors to leaders.

Conclusion

• Reflect on the similarities and differences in state building across African civilizations from 1200 to 1450 CE.
• Consider how these aspects impact the understanding of African history.