History, WH1: Early African Project: Ms. Davidson - Early Africa

Research Topics- African Kingdoms

(Davidson)

1. What beliefs did many early Africans share about their ancestors, and how did they honor them?

2. Describe and give examples of some of the achievements of the Nok.

3. Describe the complex social systems that had been developed by Bantu-speaking peoples by AD 900.

4. Describe the common artistic traditions of early Africans.

5. What factors led to the decline of Aksum?

6. Describe the effect of monsoons on the African coastal city-states.

7. Describe East African trade with Asia. (exports, imports, who, where, why)

8. Explain where and how Swahili developed.

9. What is Great Zimbabwe and what happened to it?

10. How did the location of Ghana affect its development as a trading empire?

11. Who is Mansa Musa? Describe his pilgrimage to Mecca and the effect it had in Europe.

12. Who is Askia Muhammad? How did he develop the economy of Songhai?

13. Describe the artistic culture of Benin.

14. Describe the Ghana gold and salt trade and the effect it had in western Africa.

15. What are the materials and steps used to make Kente cloth?

16. Describe the features of Timbuktu during the height of Mansa Musa’s reign.

1. Each student should find at least three (3) sources to answer their question: 

A: Database Resource: 

B: Website Source

C: Book Source

Please look at the resources provided in this guide. 

2. Cite each source in NoodleTools. 

3. Set up a notecard in NoodleTools for each source with information to help you answer your questions.

Include paragraph numbers or page numbers with the information you find.  

Images and information! 

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