All Flashcards
Define Nubia/Kush.
Ancient kingdom south of Egypt, a major source of gold and luxury goods, and ruled Egypt for a time.
Define Aksum.
Ancient kingdom in Eastern Africa (present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia), known for trade and early adoption of Christianity.
Define Nok society.
Early ironworking society in West Africa (present-day Nigeria), famous for terracotta sculptures.
What is Ge'ez script?
Ancient script developed by the Aksumite Empire, still used in Ethiopia today as a liturgical language.
Define 'Black Pharaohs'.
Refers to Nubian rulers who conquered and ruled Egypt around 750 BCE.
What is a trade network?
A system of interconnected routes and relationships that facilitate the exchange of goods and services.
Define 'cultural agency'.
The capacity of a people to act independently and make their own choices about their cultural development.
Define 'colonial narratives'.
Stories and justifications used by colonizers to legitimize their domination of other lands and peoples.
Define 'self-determination'.
The right of a people to freely determine their own political status and form of government without external influence.
Define 'neo-colonialism'.
The use of economic, political, or other indirect means to control or influence a country, especially former colonies, in lieu of direct military or political control.
What is the significance of Aksum's adoption of Christianity?
It was an independent embrace of Christianity, showing African agency and cultural identity.
What is the significance of the Ge'ez script?
Developed by Aksum, it is still the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, showing lasting cultural impact.
What is the significance of the Nok terracotta sculptures?
They are the oldest evidence of complex, settled societies in sub-Saharan Africa, proving advanced civilizations existed long before European contact.
What was the impact of ancient African societies on African American texts?
It countered stereotypes, built identity, and laid the groundwork for African American Studies and activism.
What role did ancient societies play in African independence?
Research on ancient African societies bolstered the case for African self-rule and independence from European colonialism.
What is the significance of Aksumite coins?
Demonstrated Aksum's economic and political power through its own currency.
What is the significance of Nubia's relationship with Egypt?
Led to both trade and conflict between the two civilizations.
What was the impact of trade in the Aksumite Empire?
Linked the Mediterranean, Roman Empire, and India, fueling their rise to power.
What is the significance of the Nile's importance?
Provided fertile soil and transportation, vital for agriculture and trade in Egypt and Nubia.
What is the significance of the 'Black Pharaohs'?
Nubians who conquered and ruled Egypt for nearly a century around 750 BCE.
What were the causes and effects of the Nile River's importance?
Cause: Fertile soil and transportation, Effect: Vital for agriculture and trade in Egypt and Nubia.
What were the causes and effects of Nubia's role as a source of gold?
Cause: Rich in gold and luxury goods, Effect: Trade and conflict with Egypt.
What were the causes and effects of Aksum's strategic location?
Cause: Located on the Red Sea, Effect: Linked major trade routes and fueled their rise to power.
What were the causes and effects of Nok's artistic prowess?
Cause: Skilled in terracotta sculpture, Effect: Evidence of complex, settled societies in sub-Saharan Africa.
What were the causes and effects of Aksum's adoption of Christianity?
Cause: King Ezana's conversion, Effect: First African society to embrace Christianity, independent of colonial influences.
What were the causes and effects of highlighting ancient Africa in African American texts?
Cause: Counter racist ideas, Effect: Building identity and foundation of scholarship.
What were the causes and effects of research on ancient African societies?
Cause: Challenging colonial narratives, Effect: Bolstered the case for African self-rule and independence.
What were the causes and effects of Nubian rule in Egypt?
Cause: Nubian military strength, Effect: Integration of Egyptian customs but maintained Nubian identity.
What were the causes and effects of Aksumite economic innovations?
Cause: Development of their own currency and Ge'ez script, Effect: Facilitated trade and cultural expression.
What were the causes and effects of the rediscovery of Nok artifacts?
Cause: Archaeological discoveries in present-day Nigeria, Effect: Proved advanced artistic and metalworking traditions in sub-Saharan Africa.