Earliest African Civilizations

2025-10-21

• many parts of africa are isolated from other societies
• general lack of written language

Nubia

Kush

• trading partner and rival of Egypt
• closely associated with Egypt, influenced by their culture and religion

Napata period

• vibrant perion of nubian history - heavily influenced by Egypt
• Napatan king Piye conquered Egypt
• Napatans ruled Egypt until they were expelled by the Assyrians

Meroe

• Meroe was a major industrila center, producing a lot of iron
• Red Sea trade in gold, slaves, exotic luxury goods
• last Nubian civilization

Axum (Ethiopia)

• Axum was a major city and trade center
• blend of native and Yemeni cultures
• spoke/wrote Ge'ez
• connection to ancient Israel
  • Queen of Sheba met with Solomon
  • she was said to have come back pregnant
• kingdom established by Menelik I, son of Queen of Sheba
• much later, Ethiopia converted to christianity during the reign of Ezzana
• Ethiopia rose to prominence in the region during this time

Bantu expansion into sub-equitorial Africa

• use of iron tools spread throughout africa
• spread agriculture