Notes 

1.5, Developments Throughout Africa

Political structures throughout Africa: Throughout Asia and Europe, power was being increasingly more centralized. In compassion, throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, communities did not prioritize centralizing power under a larger authority. 
On the hand, African societies focused on developing kin-based networks where certain families would govern themselves. The head of these kinships were usually chiefs who would deal with conflict. 
Over time, these smaller kin-based networks transformed into larger kingdoms with centralized governments. 

Through West Africa, the spread of Islam meant that many African societies would go on to blend sharia law with local traditions. Let’s go over a couple examples of these kingdoms. 
Ghana: Ghana’s wealth would reach its peak between the 8th and 11th centuries by selling gold and ivory. Muslim traders would buy these goods in exchange for salt and cloth. This kingdom, in return, was governed from a larger, centralized capital. 
Mali Empire: As the Ghana Empire began to decline, Mali went on to establish itself as a successful trading society. Its most well known ruler was Mansa Musa, who is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca. There he demonstrated his empire’s immense gold wealth, earning Mali a significant reputation beyond their borders. The Mali city of Timbuktu would later go on to become a major city for trade and Islamic scholarship. 
The Hausa Kingdoms: The Hausa Kingdoms were a group of seven city-states throughout modern-day Nigeria. They remained decentralized and largely benefitted from Trans-Saharan trade routes, where local products were exchanged for salt and other goods. 

In East Africa:
The Kingdom of Zimbabwe faced great prosperity through their agriculture, grazing and gold trade. Its wealth was highly related to Indian Ocean Trade, where it would be connected to the rest of the world. Specific to the Kingdom of Zimbabwe was the city of Great Zimbabwe, which was known for the massive stone wall surroundings its borders. 
The Ethiopian Empire (Axum Empire) was characterized to be a Christian island in a largely Muslim region. They were known for their specific rock-hewn churches (carved directly out of solid rock). 

Throughout these African Empires, men typically executed specialized activities while women were involved in domestic tasks + agriculture. 

Slavery was a common practice throughout this region, including chattel slavery (legal ownership) and debt bondage. 
The Zanj Rebellion was a revolt led by enslaved East Africans known as the Zanj against Arab rulers in Mesopotamia. 

It is key to note that this African history was preserved through Griottes, or female storytellers. They served to bring a sense of female empowerment within primarily patriarchal societies.