Early People of West Africa

Who were the first people in the

area?hunter-

gatherers

How many lived together?

20-50 in small groups called

bands

What was their most important

resource?

water

Where did the hunter-gatherers of West

Africa get their water?

Niger River

What was the first step in developing

a “civilization”?

Learning to farm

Soninke

•One of the earliest people•Lived in small groups•Farmed•Niger River

Soninke

•A.D. 300 - began banding together Why?

•Protection against nomadic herders who wanted to move into the area

What were the early steps/results in

developing civilization?• Farming• Food Surplus• Permanent Shelters • Healthier / lived longer• Government• Specialization / Trade• Social Classes• Religion• Cities• Public works• Art/Architecture• Writing

Ancient Ghana

Ancient Ghana

•Developed 400 miles NW of present day Ghana•Became trading nation•most important goods – salt and gold

Ancient Ghana

•Founded A.D. 300•Began iron-smelting – A.D. 350•What were the effects of iron-smelting?

Effects of Iron-Smelting

• Stronger weapons….stronger military; extended

boundaries and controlled trade• Iron farming tools….

clear land faster; grow more food (easier)

Ancient Ghana – Trading Empire

•Location perfect•Between Sahara (north) & forest (south)