What was Africa like during the Middle Ages?

As the medieval era started around 500 CE, Rome’s power in North Africa and Egypt was diminishing, while traders from the Middle East started bringing Islam to Africa. Africa’s treasures of gold, salt, slaves, and ivory had also become known, making the continent a target for more trading and wealth.

What was Africa like in the 1400s?

North Africans had no gold, but plenty of salt. Important kingdoms developed in West Africa around trade with North Africa in salt and gold. Three kingdoms were especially important: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, which are also known as the Sudanic kingdoms.

What happened in Africa in the 1200s?

The founding of the Mali Empire dates to the 1200s, when a ruler named Sundiata Keita—sometimes called the “Lion King”—led a revolt against a Sosso king and united his subjects into a new state. Under Keita and his successors, the empire tightened its grip over a large portion of West Africa and grew rich on trade.

What happened in mid 1300s?

Mali Empire reaches its height in Africa under King Mansa Musa. The beginning of the Renaissance in Italy: writers Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio; painter Giotto. Development of Noh drama in Japan. Aztecs establish Tenochtitln on site of modern Mexico City. Peak of Muslim culture in Spain.

What was Africa like in the 1500s?

By the 15th century the African continent was already one of great of diversity. In many part of the continent no major centralised states existed and many people lived in societies where there were no great divisions of wealth and power.

When was Africa’s golden age?

The years between 1100 and 1600 were known as the “golden age” of trade, when West African gold was in high demand. This led to an increase in the need and use for trade routes. From 1300 the Trans-Saharan trade routes were used for trade, travel, and scholarship.

What was Africa like in 1500s?

What did Africa trade in the 1500s?

The first shipment of slaves from West Africa to the Americas, across the Atlantic Ocean, was in the early 1500s. European, Arab and African merchants were now selling humans as well as gold, ivory and spices. But responsibility for the slave trade is not simple.

Who ruled Africa in 1500?

The most powerful of these states was the Songhai Empire, which expanded rapidly beginning with king Sonni Ali in the 1460s. By 1500, it had risen to stretch from Cameroon to the Maghreb, the largest state in African history.

What was life like in the 1300s?

Life was harsh, with a limited diet and little comfort. Women were subordinate to men, in both the peasant and noble classes, and were expected to ensure the smooth running of the household. Children had a 50\% survival rate beyond age one, and began to contribute to family life around age twelve.

What was happening in 1380?

June 21 – Battle of Chioggia: the Venetian fleet defeats the Genoese. July 27 – Henry Bolingbroke marries Mary de Bohun at Arundel Castle. September 8 – Battle of Kulikovo: Russian forces under Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy of Moscow resist a large invasion by the Blue Horde, Lithuania and Ryazan, stopping their advance.

What happened in Africa during 17th century?

The expansion of the Dutch colony at the Cape is one of the two most significant developments in Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. The other is a vast increase in the long-established African slave trade. In both these undertakings the Europeans make contact only with the coastal regions of Africa.

How did Africa compare to Europe in the 1300s?

Africa was much richer compared to Europe in the 1300s. Until 1300, the Arabic civilization of North Africa was as advanced as the European one (until 1100, it was probably even more advanced), and also militarily they could compete.

What was the Golden Age of trade in Africa?

The years between 1100 and 1600 were known as the “golden age” of trade, when West African gold was in high demand. This led to an increase in the need and use for trade routes.

What were the major civilizations in Africa during the 1500s?

During the 200 year period between 1301 and 1500 (the 14th and 15th century) the main civilizations and kingdoms in Africa were the Mali Empire, Kingdom of Kongo, Benin Kingdom, Hausa City-states, Great Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Empire, Kilwa Sultanate and the Ajuran Sultanate.

What is the history of South Africa?

General South African History Timeline: 1500s. The Portuguese begin mapping and exploring the South African coastline and basic trading takes place between the Khoikhoi and the Europeans. Nguni and Sotho speaking groups begin colonizing South Africa (subjecting and incorporating neighboring groups and dispossessing their land),