Question

Describe the development and cultural characteristics of west africa in the fifteenth century

Answer 1

During the fifteenth century, West Africa experienced development and cultural changes that were majorly influenced by the trade across the region. Muslim traders were able to ship goods from North Africa using camels and large caravans. In this period, the region experienced the introduction of Islam that spread throughout the trade routes. A slave culture started to develop in the region because traders from the North of Africa such as Arabs and Berber wanted servants, soldiers and concubines. There was development of trade cities and sea port cities along the coast of North Africa including Cairo and Marrakesh.

It is during this period that the Islamic law was adopted to help lower crime rates and spread a common language of Arabic that encouraged trade in the region. In addition to that, this region is still famous for the earliest African Civilization, were the individuals in this area smelt iron to make tools that were used to boost agriculture. At the same time, Kingdoms started to develop in the region, for example the ancient Ghana.