![Picture](/uploads/8/0/8/9/80898980/published/image_21.png?1549923943)
Egypt:
Of all of the ancient African civilizations, Egypt is without question the most well-known. Along the Nile, the Egyptians used that location largely to their benefit, irrigating their dry land with the water every flood season (July). By 3200 B.C, Egyptian villages were under rule by two separate kingdoms: Upper and Lower Egypt. The two kingdoms were united by 3000 B.C, when the ruler Narder arrived. Egypt went through 31 dynasties over an extensive 2600 years.
The Old Kingdom, which lasted from 2686 to 2134 B.C, is known as the age of pyramid building. This brought Egypt a strong, wealthy, and powerful government. Next came the Middle Kingdom (2080 - 1640 B.C.), during which trade was increased by making a useful canal from the Nile River to the Red Sea. During this time, they also added thousands of acres of land to their region by drying up the swamps in Lower Egypt. Lastly, the New Kingdom (1570 - 1075 B.C.) saw Egypt’s rise to become the strongest empire (comparatively) in the country’s history, after conquering the Hyksos, and making peace with the Hittites.
In contrast to other more democratic civilizations, kings -- known as Pharaohs -- in Egypt were considered to be gods; this type of government is known as a theocracy. Pharaohs were responsible for the entire well-being of the country and people. In the view of the people, it was the leader who caused the sun to rise, river to flood, and crops to grow. The Pharaoh also had the duty of promoting truth and justice. Several influential pharaohs (and their major accomplishments) of Ancient Egypt were: Ahhotep and Kamose, who completely drove out the adversarial Hyksos; Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who encouraged trade instead of war, bringing the empire gold, ivory, plants, animals, myrrh, frankincense, and ointments from a major expedition; Thutmose III, who may killed have Hatshepsut, and led a number of successful invasions eastward and south into Syria, Canaan, and Nubia; and Ramses II, who made“peace and brotherhood forever” between Egypt and the Hittites.
The empire usually had little to no need for an army because they were protected by the natural boundary of desert, and so the average Egyptian was generally a farmer, who would fight as the pharaoh needed (not unlike the National Guard today). When the time called for battle, Egyptians used bows and arrows, axes, spears, short swords, and chariots. They rarely wore armor, relying heavily on shields instead. A plot of land was given to veterans after serving.
The northern-flowing Nile would recede in October and leave behind valuable silt (fertile black mud) that was valuable mostly for farming, as it contained lots of nutrients which helped the farmers during their seasons. A narrow strip of land called the “Fertile Land” was successful for irrigation, and very important for growing wheat and flax. Although the Nile floods provided huge benefits for Egyptian farming, it was also a burden for Egyptian farmers: when the waters were lower than normal, the amount of silt and water for crops reduced, and higher waters could destroy buildings and crop fields. There were/are deserts on each side of the Nile that as natural barriers between Egypt and other lands (and invaders)! The river also acted as a useful trading route, on which merchants could follow Northward, or sail down on the southward winds.
The famous pyramids of Egypt were most commonly tombs for pharaohs or queens, who used the goods placed around them in the afterlife: “Since kings expected to reign forever, their tombs were even more important than their palaces” (Holt McDougal). The pyramids were mostly built by peasants, who worked for the government during the flood season each year. The workers were gifted with food and housing as payment in return for their services.
They were influenced by the first writing of the Mesopotamians (Cuneiform), whose pictographs evolved into into hieroglyphics in Egypt (hieroglyphics is a combination of the Greek words hieros: sacred, and glyph: carving). Papyrus became popular to write on once they realized that stone and clay was impractical. They would grow the papyrus in the delta, split the reeds, and press them together. As it dried, the sap glued the strips together into sheets, like paper.
Inventions of ancient Egypt included the calendar to help keep track of the time between floods and to plan their planting/growing/agriculture season, written numbers, and advances in medicine, creating casts, splints, and learning how to find a pulse
Of all of the ancient African civilizations, Egypt is without question the most well-known. Along the Nile, the Egyptians used that location largely to their benefit, irrigating their dry land with the water every flood season (July). By 3200 B.C, Egyptian villages were under rule by two separate kingdoms: Upper and Lower Egypt. The two kingdoms were united by 3000 B.C, when the ruler Narder arrived. Egypt went through 31 dynasties over an extensive 2600 years.
The Old Kingdom, which lasted from 2686 to 2134 B.C, is known as the age of pyramid building. This brought Egypt a strong, wealthy, and powerful government. Next came the Middle Kingdom (2080 - 1640 B.C.), during which trade was increased by making a useful canal from the Nile River to the Red Sea. During this time, they also added thousands of acres of land to their region by drying up the swamps in Lower Egypt. Lastly, the New Kingdom (1570 - 1075 B.C.) saw Egypt’s rise to become the strongest empire (comparatively) in the country’s history, after conquering the Hyksos, and making peace with the Hittites.
In contrast to other more democratic civilizations, kings -- known as Pharaohs -- in Egypt were considered to be gods; this type of government is known as a theocracy. Pharaohs were responsible for the entire well-being of the country and people. In the view of the people, it was the leader who caused the sun to rise, river to flood, and crops to grow. The Pharaoh also had the duty of promoting truth and justice. Several influential pharaohs (and their major accomplishments) of Ancient Egypt were: Ahhotep and Kamose, who completely drove out the adversarial Hyksos; Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who encouraged trade instead of war, bringing the empire gold, ivory, plants, animals, myrrh, frankincense, and ointments from a major expedition; Thutmose III, who may killed have Hatshepsut, and led a number of successful invasions eastward and south into Syria, Canaan, and Nubia; and Ramses II, who made“peace and brotherhood forever” between Egypt and the Hittites.
The empire usually had little to no need for an army because they were protected by the natural boundary of desert, and so the average Egyptian was generally a farmer, who would fight as the pharaoh needed (not unlike the National Guard today). When the time called for battle, Egyptians used bows and arrows, axes, spears, short swords, and chariots. They rarely wore armor, relying heavily on shields instead. A plot of land was given to veterans after serving.
The northern-flowing Nile would recede in October and leave behind valuable silt (fertile black mud) that was valuable mostly for farming, as it contained lots of nutrients which helped the farmers during their seasons. A narrow strip of land called the “Fertile Land” was successful for irrigation, and very important for growing wheat and flax. Although the Nile floods provided huge benefits for Egyptian farming, it was also a burden for Egyptian farmers: when the waters were lower than normal, the amount of silt and water for crops reduced, and higher waters could destroy buildings and crop fields. There were/are deserts on each side of the Nile that as natural barriers between Egypt and other lands (and invaders)! The river also acted as a useful trading route, on which merchants could follow Northward, or sail down on the southward winds.
The famous pyramids of Egypt were most commonly tombs for pharaohs or queens, who used the goods placed around them in the afterlife: “Since kings expected to reign forever, their tombs were even more important than their palaces” (Holt McDougal). The pyramids were mostly built by peasants, who worked for the government during the flood season each year. The workers were gifted with food and housing as payment in return for their services.
They were influenced by the first writing of the Mesopotamians (Cuneiform), whose pictographs evolved into into hieroglyphics in Egypt (hieroglyphics is a combination of the Greek words hieros: sacred, and glyph: carving). Papyrus became popular to write on once they realized that stone and clay was impractical. They would grow the papyrus in the delta, split the reeds, and press them together. As it dried, the sap glued the strips together into sheets, like paper.
Inventions of ancient Egypt included the calendar to help keep track of the time between floods and to plan their planting/growing/agriculture season, written numbers, and advances in medicine, creating casts, splints, and learning how to find a pulse
![Picture](/uploads/8/0/8/9/80898980/published/image_22.png?1549924054)
Egypt’s inhabitants were divided into a social pyramid: Royals at top, then other members of upper class (wealthy landowners, government officials, priests, generals), then middle class (merchants and artisans), and finally the lower class ( the largest class by far: mostly peasant farmers and laborers). You could earn a spot in a higher class by marriage or job status, and the highest positions were given to people who could read and write. Unlike many other ancient civilizations, women held almost the same rights as men: they could propose marriage, divorce, and own property.
Formal religious practices were most commonly led by pharaohs, who were thought to have a power similar to that of the gods. Early Egypt was polytheistic (most important gods were: Re, god of the sun; Osiris, god of the dead; and Isis, who represented the ideal mother/wife). Temples were built to worship/honor the major gods. Egyptians also believed in an afterlife, and that they’d be judged for their deeds right after death: the god Anubis would weigh a person’s heart. If the scale tipped, it was weighed down by sins, and the Devourer of Souls would eat the heart, ending the afterlife. If the soul passed the test, they would live on forever in the “Other World.” People built tombs hoping that they might help safely reach the Other World, and the bodies of -- mostly -- royals were preserved in mummification, usually in tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Many people even purchased scrolls that contained information guiding a soul in the afterlife (called the Book of the Dead).
From 1200 B.C. onward, other groups rose in power elsewhere, and sought to challenge Egypt. Invasions happened often throughout the Mediterranean by the “sea peoples.” The desert barrier that they relied on for many years soon became a common area of attack as the Canaan tribes rebelled. After invasions/attacks, the empire broke into regions, and smaller, weaker kingdoms emerged, but were taken over by neighboring countries: Libyans crossed the desert and conquered sections, followed by Nubia. As Egypt declined in power, the Kush simultaneously rose, overthrowing the Libyans in 751 B.C, and connecting the entire Nile Valley (from the delta to Napata) as one.
Formal religious practices were most commonly led by pharaohs, who were thought to have a power similar to that of the gods. Early Egypt was polytheistic (most important gods were: Re, god of the sun; Osiris, god of the dead; and Isis, who represented the ideal mother/wife). Temples were built to worship/honor the major gods. Egyptians also believed in an afterlife, and that they’d be judged for their deeds right after death: the god Anubis would weigh a person’s heart. If the scale tipped, it was weighed down by sins, and the Devourer of Souls would eat the heart, ending the afterlife. If the soul passed the test, they would live on forever in the “Other World.” People built tombs hoping that they might help safely reach the Other World, and the bodies of -- mostly -- royals were preserved in mummification, usually in tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Many people even purchased scrolls that contained information guiding a soul in the afterlife (called the Book of the Dead).
From 1200 B.C. onward, other groups rose in power elsewhere, and sought to challenge Egypt. Invasions happened often throughout the Mediterranean by the “sea peoples.” The desert barrier that they relied on for many years soon became a common area of attack as the Canaan tribes rebelled. After invasions/attacks, the empire broke into regions, and smaller, weaker kingdoms emerged, but were taken over by neighboring countries: Libyans crossed the desert and conquered sections, followed by Nubia. As Egypt declined in power, the Kush simultaneously rose, overthrowing the Libyans in 751 B.C, and connecting the entire Nile Valley (from the delta to Napata) as one.
![Picture](/uploads/8/0/8/9/80898980/published/image_23.png?1549924382)
Kush:
Egypt took control of Kush around 2000 B.C, leading to later-Kush’s culture being heavily influenced by Egypt. Kushite princes had gone to Egypt, learned the language, worshipped Egyptian gods, and adopted upper class Egyptian customs and clothing styles. When they returned to Kush, they brought royal rituals and hieroglyphics back with them.
Kush regained its independence around 1200 B.C, when Libya took control over Egypt. The Kush thought they could preserve Egyptian values better than the Libyans, so they conquered Egypt in 750 B.C. to protect these values.
The Kushite King Piankhi (or Piye) overthrew the Libyans, who were ruling over Egypt in 750 B.C. Piankhi now had control from the delta of the Nile in the north to Napata in the south. He and his descendants together formed Egypt’s 25th dynasty. In 671 B.C, Egypt was conquered by the Assyrians, forcing the Kushites to south to Napata. Once there however, Kush would experience a golden age.
Even before Kush had conquered Egypt, they had access to two important trade routes. These were the Red Sea and the Nile River: they allowed trade with Egypt itself. After conquering Egypt, they had access to the Mediterranean Sea. They were now able to trade with countries like Greece and Rome.
A hot, desert climate with little rain was balanced out by the giant Nile. Access to water meant that fish were a major component of the lower class’ diet -- this was seen as unclean by nobles thought, for whom meat was reserved. Animals used were cattle, lambs, sheep, goats, and poultry. Along the Nile, they grew chickpeas, lentils, lettuce, onions, garlic, sesame, corn, barley, papyrus, and flax (Mark, 2019).
The Kush kept Egypts way of governing - a monarchy. The Kushite rulers of Egypt are still referred to as either kings or pharaohs. Priests created the laws, while the pharaohs carried them out. Kush had a well-funded army due to its success in trade (Trade, 2019).
Kush was pushed out of Egypt by the Assyrians in 671 B.C. They fled to Napata, but later moved their capital to Meroe. They would continue to be a successful civilization until about 350 A.D.
Egypt took control of Kush around 2000 B.C, leading to later-Kush’s culture being heavily influenced by Egypt. Kushite princes had gone to Egypt, learned the language, worshipped Egyptian gods, and adopted upper class Egyptian customs and clothing styles. When they returned to Kush, they brought royal rituals and hieroglyphics back with them.
Kush regained its independence around 1200 B.C, when Libya took control over Egypt. The Kush thought they could preserve Egyptian values better than the Libyans, so they conquered Egypt in 750 B.C. to protect these values.
The Kushite King Piankhi (or Piye) overthrew the Libyans, who were ruling over Egypt in 750 B.C. Piankhi now had control from the delta of the Nile in the north to Napata in the south. He and his descendants together formed Egypt’s 25th dynasty. In 671 B.C, Egypt was conquered by the Assyrians, forcing the Kushites to south to Napata. Once there however, Kush would experience a golden age.
Even before Kush had conquered Egypt, they had access to two important trade routes. These were the Red Sea and the Nile River: they allowed trade with Egypt itself. After conquering Egypt, they had access to the Mediterranean Sea. They were now able to trade with countries like Greece and Rome.
A hot, desert climate with little rain was balanced out by the giant Nile. Access to water meant that fish were a major component of the lower class’ diet -- this was seen as unclean by nobles thought, for whom meat was reserved. Animals used were cattle, lambs, sheep, goats, and poultry. Along the Nile, they grew chickpeas, lentils, lettuce, onions, garlic, sesame, corn, barley, papyrus, and flax (Mark, 2019).
The Kush kept Egypts way of governing - a monarchy. The Kushite rulers of Egypt are still referred to as either kings or pharaohs. Priests created the laws, while the pharaohs carried them out. Kush had a well-funded army due to its success in trade (Trade, 2019).
Kush was pushed out of Egypt by the Assyrians in 671 B.C. They fled to Napata, but later moved their capital to Meroe. They would continue to be a successful civilization until about 350 A.D.
![Picture](/uploads/8/0/8/9/80898980/published/image_24.png?1549924719)
Almoravids:
The Berber (as in “barbarian”) Almoravid Dynasty was formed by Muslim reformers in 1062 A.D, and lasted until 1150. Most of its members came from a Berber group that lived in Western Sahara (or current day Mauritania). The group lived in a “ribat,” or a fortified monastery. For this reason, they were called the “people of the ribat,” or “al-Murabitun” which eventually became “Almoravid.” In the 1050s, Ibn Yasin, who had essentially introduced Islam to Africa, led the Almoravids in an effort to spread Islam through conquest. After his death in 1059, they overran the West African empire of Ghana in 1076, as well as capturing parts of southern Spain: in response to the Taifa leaders please to prevent the Christian armies from northern Spain from entering, Yusuf ibn Tashfin led them into al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) after the fall of Toledo in 1085. They were also able to maintain control of the city Marrakesh, as well as parts of the Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Spain, major ports, and trans-Saharan trade.
The Almoravids followed -- and were governed under -- most of the rules of Islamic law, their main political and religious leader being Abd Allah Ibn Yasin. However, once he died, his successors tried in vain to continue his conquests: in the mid-1100s the almohads took power from them (Epic World History).
The Almoravids’ first military leader was Yahya ibn Umar al-Lamtuni, who is credited for organizing the military. Their main force was infantry, armed with javelins in the front ranks and pikes behind, which formed into a phalanx -- this was supported by camel men and horsemen on the flanks (Youssef Dahmani). When the flag carrier held the flag was upright, the combatants behind would stand; when it was turned down, they would sit. Al-Bakri, a geographer from the Muslim west, reported that the Almoravids were ruthless opponents on the battlefield, who would rather die than face defeat. These characteristics were considered unusual at that time compared to other armies in the area (New World Encyclopedia).
Being located on the Mediterranean hugely impacts diet. A Mediterranean diet consists of eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. They also had an abundance of fish due to their location on the sea. They had olive/canola oil, and various spices as well (Mayo Clinic).
A large portion of Almoravid goods (mainly gold and salt) were acquired from the Sahara desert trade routes of the empire of Ghana (which the Almoravids had overtaken). Traders would cross deserts with caravans of camels carrying large loads of salts. The Almoravids also had control of major ports in the Mediterranean Sea, which was a heavy influence on the success of their economy (University of Cambridge).
The Almoravids spoke several main languages which were Berber, Arabic, and Mozarabic, and emphasized the importance of geometric structures and very expensive and fine materials in their mosques (Searching in History).
The empire’s demise began during a conquest of Zaragoza Spain, when Alfonso I started a new assault against Islam in Spain. The Almoravids began being rebelled against in the parts of Spain and Portugal they controlled by Alfonso. Eventually, the Almoravids were defeated and they were forced out. The final fall came around 1150 A.D, when the Almohad empire took complete control of the Almoravids.
The Almoravids’ influence on modern day materialized in the form of the capital of Morocco, called Marrakech. They also influenced the architecture and art of Morocco, creating the is 77m-tall Kutubiyya mosque, which is still used for prayer (New World Encyclopedia).
The Berber (as in “barbarian”) Almoravid Dynasty was formed by Muslim reformers in 1062 A.D, and lasted until 1150. Most of its members came from a Berber group that lived in Western Sahara (or current day Mauritania). The group lived in a “ribat,” or a fortified monastery. For this reason, they were called the “people of the ribat,” or “al-Murabitun” which eventually became “Almoravid.” In the 1050s, Ibn Yasin, who had essentially introduced Islam to Africa, led the Almoravids in an effort to spread Islam through conquest. After his death in 1059, they overran the West African empire of Ghana in 1076, as well as capturing parts of southern Spain: in response to the Taifa leaders please to prevent the Christian armies from northern Spain from entering, Yusuf ibn Tashfin led them into al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) after the fall of Toledo in 1085. They were also able to maintain control of the city Marrakesh, as well as parts of the Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Spain, major ports, and trans-Saharan trade.
The Almoravids followed -- and were governed under -- most of the rules of Islamic law, their main political and religious leader being Abd Allah Ibn Yasin. However, once he died, his successors tried in vain to continue his conquests: in the mid-1100s the almohads took power from them (Epic World History).
The Almoravids’ first military leader was Yahya ibn Umar al-Lamtuni, who is credited for organizing the military. Their main force was infantry, armed with javelins in the front ranks and pikes behind, which formed into a phalanx -- this was supported by camel men and horsemen on the flanks (Youssef Dahmani). When the flag carrier held the flag was upright, the combatants behind would stand; when it was turned down, they would sit. Al-Bakri, a geographer from the Muslim west, reported that the Almoravids were ruthless opponents on the battlefield, who would rather die than face defeat. These characteristics were considered unusual at that time compared to other armies in the area (New World Encyclopedia).
Being located on the Mediterranean hugely impacts diet. A Mediterranean diet consists of eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. They also had an abundance of fish due to their location on the sea. They had olive/canola oil, and various spices as well (Mayo Clinic).
A large portion of Almoravid goods (mainly gold and salt) were acquired from the Sahara desert trade routes of the empire of Ghana (which the Almoravids had overtaken). Traders would cross deserts with caravans of camels carrying large loads of salts. The Almoravids also had control of major ports in the Mediterranean Sea, which was a heavy influence on the success of their economy (University of Cambridge).
The Almoravids spoke several main languages which were Berber, Arabic, and Mozarabic, and emphasized the importance of geometric structures and very expensive and fine materials in their mosques (Searching in History).
The empire’s demise began during a conquest of Zaragoza Spain, when Alfonso I started a new assault against Islam in Spain. The Almoravids began being rebelled against in the parts of Spain and Portugal they controlled by Alfonso. Eventually, the Almoravids were defeated and they were forced out. The final fall came around 1150 A.D, when the Almohad empire took complete control of the Almoravids.
The Almoravids’ influence on modern day materialized in the form of the capital of Morocco, called Marrakech. They also influenced the architecture and art of Morocco, creating the is 77m-tall Kutubiyya mosque, which is still used for prayer (New World Encyclopedia).
![Picture](/uploads/8/0/8/9/80898980/published/image_25.png?1549925011)
Almohads:
The Almohads were founded by Ibn Tumart, in the Berber Masmuda tribes of southern Morocco. Around 1120 A.D, the group first established a Berber state in Tinmel in the Atlas Mountains. They succeeded in overthrowing the Almoravid dynasty governing Morocco by 1147, led by Abd al-Mu'min al-Gumi (New world Encyclopedia). Some of the enemies were the almoravids and the tanzineen empire. They also conquered northern Africa as far as Libya.
The Almohads’ proximity to natural resources Coltan, Gold and Copper paved the way to economic success (Almohad). The group also had easy access to the ever-busy Mediterranean Sea, which became a vessel of trade with the likes of Aragon, the kingdom of Sicily, and even the Roman Empire (New World Encyclopedia).
The climate was mostly mild mediterranean climate (during the summer temperatures could be anywhere from 70 to 108 degrees fahrenheit, during the winter around 50 to 55 degrees). This weather pattern let the Almohads grow a variety grains, fruits, vegetables, and to hunt poultry, seafood, and other meats as well. The Almohads were also a strict muslim society, who forced the religion upon civilians.
The strictly-muslim empire of the Almohads kept its original tribal hierarchy as a political and social framework, with the founders and their descendants forming a ruling aristocracy.] They use their military to expand their borders into what is now southern Spain and Portugal, stopping only at Iberia. The vast kingdom prospered until various skirmishes broke out with neighboring groups, and the Almohads gradually began to lose their land as Christian forces and the Banu Marin began to whittle away the Almohads by conquering their main cities, until the Almohads were no more.
The Almohads were founded by Ibn Tumart, in the Berber Masmuda tribes of southern Morocco. Around 1120 A.D, the group first established a Berber state in Tinmel in the Atlas Mountains. They succeeded in overthrowing the Almoravid dynasty governing Morocco by 1147, led by Abd al-Mu'min al-Gumi (New world Encyclopedia). Some of the enemies were the almoravids and the tanzineen empire. They also conquered northern Africa as far as Libya.
The Almohads’ proximity to natural resources Coltan, Gold and Copper paved the way to economic success (Almohad). The group also had easy access to the ever-busy Mediterranean Sea, which became a vessel of trade with the likes of Aragon, the kingdom of Sicily, and even the Roman Empire (New World Encyclopedia).
The climate was mostly mild mediterranean climate (during the summer temperatures could be anywhere from 70 to 108 degrees fahrenheit, during the winter around 50 to 55 degrees). This weather pattern let the Almohads grow a variety grains, fruits, vegetables, and to hunt poultry, seafood, and other meats as well. The Almohads were also a strict muslim society, who forced the religion upon civilians.
The strictly-muslim empire of the Almohads kept its original tribal hierarchy as a political and social framework, with the founders and their descendants forming a ruling aristocracy.] They use their military to expand their borders into what is now southern Spain and Portugal, stopping only at Iberia. The vast kingdom prospered until various skirmishes broke out with neighboring groups, and the Almohads gradually began to lose their land as Christian forces and the Banu Marin began to whittle away the Almohads by conquering their main cities, until the Almohads were no more.