Ancient and Medieval Africa: Recent Episodes
Mark Anders
Episode 3 takes us back to East Africa and looks at the trading kingdoms of Kush and Axum. Christianity and Islam will make their appearance in Africa toward the end of this period. The key idea is that Axum became an important center of trade between East Africa, the Mediterranean, and Arab world. As you listen, think about answers to the following essential questions: What effect did trade have on the East African kingdoms of Kush and Axum? How did contact with other religions change life in East Africa?
In this episode, we focus on the theme of movement. The key idea is that throughout history, various peoples, including the Bantu of sub-Saharan Africa, left their homes and moved to new lands. By the time this lecture is over, listeners should be able to answer the following essential questions: What are the 4 main reasons, or causes, for the movement of people over time? Why did the Bantu-speaking peoples move from West Africa to lands across sub-Saharan Africa? What effects did the Bantu migrations have on other people?
First lecture in a series on the ancient and medieval history of Africa. It focuses on the rise of human ancestors and later modern humans in East Africa.