_ In the post classical era the sub-Saharan and west African regions
benefited from demographic and economic productivity. This era also
contained the end of the Bantu migrations and the development of settled
societies. New "stateless" societies for west and sub-Saharan Africa, and trade networks supporting agriculture developed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Islam also played an important role during this time. The post classical era proved to be very influential for future Africans.
One of the major themes of changes and continuities, is the end of Bantu migrations. By around 1000 C.E. the Bantu had spread throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. Early Bantu political organizations were called "stateless societies, which meant they had no elaborate bureaucracy or hierarchy of officials. Actually, family and kinship units were much more common throughout this time. Many times, male family heads made up a village ruling council, the most prominent figure being a chief. After the year 1000 C.E., increasing population and military challenges led to more centralized governments and larger kingdoms.
The most common way Islam spread in the sub-Saharan was through Muslim merchants and travelers. Muslim practices merged into existing social and religious practices, but did not remain unchanged. Ibn Batuta, a traveling 14th century qadi held great consternation for the Mulsim Africans. The ruler of Mali, Mansa usa, took a famous haji, stunning villages he past with his wealth. He also brought scholars and architects back to his home to enhance his reputation.
Economies were mainly agricultural during this time. Trade helped contribute to the spread of new crops, and led to a dependance on larger trade networks. For example, the Zimbabweans helped extend the Indian Ocean basin trade network with their Swahili coast city-states. The kingdoms of Mali and Ghana were also dependent on the trans-Saharan gold-salt trade. These networks of trade helped contribute to later more connected and complex trade networks.
References: Chapter 19 Traditions and Encounters History Book
One of the major themes of changes and continuities, is the end of Bantu migrations. By around 1000 C.E. the Bantu had spread throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. Early Bantu political organizations were called "stateless societies, which meant they had no elaborate bureaucracy or hierarchy of officials. Actually, family and kinship units were much more common throughout this time. Many times, male family heads made up a village ruling council, the most prominent figure being a chief. After the year 1000 C.E., increasing population and military challenges led to more centralized governments and larger kingdoms.
The most common way Islam spread in the sub-Saharan was through Muslim merchants and travelers. Muslim practices merged into existing social and religious practices, but did not remain unchanged. Ibn Batuta, a traveling 14th century qadi held great consternation for the Mulsim Africans. The ruler of Mali, Mansa usa, took a famous haji, stunning villages he past with his wealth. He also brought scholars and architects back to his home to enhance his reputation.
Economies were mainly agricultural during this time. Trade helped contribute to the spread of new crops, and led to a dependance on larger trade networks. For example, the Zimbabweans helped extend the Indian Ocean basin trade network with their Swahili coast city-states. The kingdoms of Mali and Ghana were also dependent on the trans-Saharan gold-salt trade. These networks of trade helped contribute to later more connected and complex trade networks.
References: Chapter 19 Traditions and Encounters History Book