7 African Civilizations
1. The Almohad empire
The Almohad empire was a Moorish Dynasty that controlled most of North Africa and all
of southern Spain during their reign. They were founded in 1121. The Almohad was known for their strict adherence to Muslim teachings and their notable fighting skills.
They rose to power defeating the Almoravid, the ruling Moorish Dynasty in 1147. The Almohad looked down on the Almoravid for their loose interpretation of Mohammed’s word. Years before, the Almoravid would call on the Almohad to come up to Spain to put down Christian uprisings for them. It was obvious to the Almohad that the Almoravid had grown weak. So, one time they went up to Spain to help the Almoravids and never left.
2. Axum Empire
Axum was a powerful empire with control over trade around the Red Sea. It expanded
its influence into Southern Arabia by force. Axum was was located in what is present day Eritrea/Ethiopia
The kingdom rose in power in 100 CE and ruled the region until 940 CE. At its height Axum ruled parts of Sudan, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Axum was a major trading center. They were situated on the west coast of the Red Sea. Merchants trouble from the interior of Africa India Roman empire Persia to take part in trade
3. Kushite Empire
The kingdom of Kush was known for its warrior Queens called Kandises. These women went up against groups like the Greek and Roman empires. And these empires used caution in dealing with these extraordinary females.
The Kushites were also known for their unparalleled archers. They were said to be able to put arrows in the eyes of their enemy from across the battlefield. These archers were so famous in their time that all the empires in the area wanted to employee them for their war campaigns; Egypt, Rome, Assyria and more.
The Kushite Kingdom conquered Egypt in 760 BC and founded Egypt’s 25th
Dynasty, bringing Egypt back to its former Glory.
4. Benin Empire
Benin was a formidable west African Kingdom that rule the area 1180 to 1897. They are know for their Great Wall and realistic statue sculpting.
Their Royal horsemen patrolled the great Benin wall which was the longest man-made structure in the world (about 16,000 km in length).
5. The Kongo kingdom
The Kongo kingdom was located in west central Africa, now northern Angola. They had
several battles with the Portuguese and won most. The kingdom of Kongo was formed in 1390 and ended in 1914. Trade in ivory, gold, salt and other products made the kingdom powerful.
The Kongo also grow by obsorbing surrounding states, some by force. Their kingdom grow to over 2 million. The Europeans (the Porchigeese) arrived in 1500. They had several battles with the Portuguese and won most.
6. Great Zimbabwe
The country grew largely because of the their part in the Vital trade on the coast of the
Indian ocean. They traded in ivory, gold, salt and cattle.
The Kingdom of Zimbabwe was a medieval Shona kingdom. They grew largely because of the their part in the Vital trade of the area. The Kingdom controlled the ivory, cattle and gold trade from the inland to the southeastern coast of Africa from the 11th to the 15th centuries C.E.
7. Zulu Nation
The Zulu people migrated from east central Africa to South Africa during the Bantu migration
The Zulu kingdom was founded in 1816 by King Shaka. He built his well trained army up to 40,000 and explained their territory, taking over the region by force.
After Shaka’s death the Zulus remained a force to recon with. The British were concerned that the Zulu nation bordered their colonies. They were so concerned that they decreed that the Zulu military be disbanded.
The Zulu ignored the order so the British invaded Zululand. Although the Zulu fought with spears against guns the European invaders could not subdue them until they brought in the Gatling gun.
