Answer:
1. What influenced the formation of many different African civilizations? How did geography influence the development of African civilization?
a. African civilizations were influenced by trade, with Arabs, Europeans and India. Geography tended to isolate South and Central African civilizations from foreign influence.
2. Name the three kingdoms of the Niger River Valley. Describe the rulers, the economy, and the societies of each kingdom.
a. The Ghana, Mali, and Songhai civilization existed consecutively with some overlap. At first trade was infrequent because of the desert until the use of camels. Ghana’s rulers grew rich by taxing the trade of gold and salt. Ghana’s kings acted as a religious leader, chief judge, and military commander. The kingdom of Mali was also based on gold. The Songhai broke from Mali and controlled the trade routes
3. Identify and describe two contributions to civilization made by each of the primary South, Meso, and North American civilizations.
a. The Maya civilization developed the the position-value number system with zero and an accurate calendar. They also developed rubber and the corbelled arch.
