All Flashcards
Define Nubia.
Ancient kingdom south of Egypt, a major source of gold and luxury goods; also known as Kush/Cush.
Define Aksum.
An empire in Eastern Africa (present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia), known for trade and early adoption of Christianity.
Define Nok society.
An early ironworking society in West Africa (present-day Nigeria), famous for terracotta sculptures.
Define Ge'ez script.
Ancient script developed by the Aksumite Empire; still used in Ethiopia today.
What was the significance of the Nile River?
Provided fertile soil and transportation, vital for agriculture and trade in Egypt and Nubia.
Define 'Black Pharaohs'.
Nubians who conquered and ruled Egypt for nearly a century around 750 BCE.
What is the significance of terracotta sculptures?
Artistic creations of the Nok society, depicting animals and people with detailed features.
Define 'civilizing mission'.
The false justification used by European powers to dominate Africa, claiming to bring culture and governance.
Define African Agency.
The capacity of African people to act independently and make their own choices.
What is neo-colonialism?
The indirect control of a country by economic or political pressure.
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.
Who was King Ezana and what was his impact?
King of Aksum who converted to Christianity, making Aksum the first African society to embrace Christianity.