African Civilizations

History

An emperor, commander, and political reformer of the Songhai Empire

Askia Muhammad

An emperor, commander, and political reformer of the Songhai Empire Askia Muhammad. Askia Muhammad was a leader who expanded the Songhai Empire and improved its administration during his reign.

A large low-lying area, often below sea level

Basin

A large low-lying area, often below sea level. Basin. In history, basins often became sites for early civilizations due to their fertile land and access to water.

Amount of goods which people want to buy

Demand

Amount of goods which people want to buy. Demand. In history, demand refers to the desire and ability of people to purchase goods and services, influencing how economies grow and change over time.

A ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum an ancient kingdom

Ezana

A ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, an ancient kingdom. Ezana. Ezana was a king who played a crucial role in converting Aksum to Christianity in the 4th century.

A storehouse or room that holds grain

Granary

A storehouse or room that holds grain. Granary. In history, a granary was a crucial structure used by ancient civilizations to store and protect their grain supplies for future use.

A West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician

Griot

A West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. Griot. A griot is a traditional African storyteller who preserves and passes down history through oral narratives.

electricity generated from flowing water

Hydroelectric energy explained in an easy to understand way.

Hydroelectric energy

Electricity generated from flowing water. Hydroelectric energy. Historically, hydroelectric energy is the power created by using the flow of water to turn turbines and produce electricity.

The Emperor of Ethiopia, the most well-known of the Zagwe monarchs

King Lalibela

The Emperor of Ethiopia, the most well-known of the Zagwe monarchs. King Lalibela. He is famous for commissioning the construction of the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tenth Mansa of the Mali Empire, known as the wealthiest person of the Middle Ages

Mansa Musa

The tenth Mansa of the Mali Empire, known as the wealthiest person of the Middle Ages, Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa was a 14th-century West African ruler famous for his incredible wealth and grand pilgrimage to Mecca.

A high-ranking bishop in certain Orthodox and Catholic churches

Patriarch

A high-ranking bishop in certain Orthodox and Catholic churches. Patriarch. A patriarch is a leading bishop in charge of major regions and churches, historically influential in religious leadership and organization.

A climatic border zone across Africa separating the Sahara Desert from the wetter lands

Sahel

A climatic border zone across Africa separating the Sahara Desert from the wetter lands. Sahel. Historically, the Sahel has been a crucial region for trade and cultural exchange between North and Sub-Saharan Africa.

A mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem characterised by the trees being widely spaced

Savanna

A mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem characterised by the trees being widely spaced is known as a savanna. Historically, savannas have been crucial landscapes for human evolution, providing both resources and habitats for early humans.

A powerful prince and founder of the Mali Empire

Sundiata

A powerful prince and founder of the Mali Empire. Sundiata. Sundiata was the legendary leader who united West African tribes to establish the Mali Empire in the 13th century.

The first king of the Songhai Empire, located in Africa

Sunni Ali

The first king of the Songhai Empire, located in Africa, was Sunni Ali. Sunni Ali was a powerful leader who expanded and strengthened the Songhai Empire in the 15th century.

Amount of a resource that is available

Supply

Amount of a resource that is available. Supply. In history, supply refers to the availability of goods and resources needed to support armies or civilizations.