Sundiata definition ap world history
AP World History Chapter 8: Islam in Africa Flashcards
The Mali Empire
From the 13th to 17th century, West Africa was home to the great Mali Empire. Established by King Sundiata Keita, the kingdom united several smaller, Malinké Kingdoms near the Upper Niger River. Protected by a well-trained, imperial army and benefiting from being in the middle of trade routes, Mali expanded its territory, influence, and culture over the course of four centuries. An abundance of gold dust and salt deposits helped to expand the empire’s commercialassets. Mali included the city of Timbuktu, which became known as an important center of knowledge. Mali also developed into a hub for the Islamic faith before poor leadership led to the empire’s ultimate decline in power and influence.
The rise of the Mali Empire can be traced back to Sundiata, or the “Lion King,” as some called him. After seizing the former capital of the Ghana Empire in 1240, Sundiata and his men consolidated control while continuing to expand the Mali Empire. Often times, the officers of his court wielded great power, which was crucial to keeping the empire strong during periods of poor leadership.
Mali had kings, called Mansa. The Mali Empire would reach a height of strength during
Sundiata Keita
Sundiata Keita was the first ruler of the Mali Empire from 1235 C.E. to 1255 C.E. Sundiata Keita, whose name means Lion Prince, was born early in the 13th century to a noble family within the Malinke people. The Malinke kingdom, Kangaba, was part of the Ghana empire of West Africa. Oral stories about Keita say that he was a sickly child or suffered from some sort of physical impairment. This explains why, when his brothers were killed by the rulers of Ghana, he was spared. Eventually, he became a local leader of the kingdom of Kangaba.
When the Ghana Empire tried to impose trade restrictions on the Malinke, Keita began a revolt. He managed to unite several peoples of West Africa to fight against Ghana's king, Sumanguru; he defeated Sumanguru at the battle of Kirina in 1235 C.E. After that, Keita’s generals began to conquer other territories in West Africa. He called his new kingdom the Mali Empire, which would become one of the richest empires in the world.
Keita’s victory over Sumanguru marked the beginning of the Mali Empire. Keita decided to rebuild the then-destroyed city of Niani near the Sankarini River as his new capital. This area soon became a hub
AP World History Unit 1: Notes, Review, and Fun Facts about Vietnam and Africa
Mesoamerican Civilizations and Urban Development
The Maya civilization (300-900 CE) established sophisticated city-states across the Yucatan peninsula, with Tikal emerging as their largest urban center, housing approximately 100,000 people. Their achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and writing systems demonstrate advanced intellectual capabilities that ap nature history unit 1 mcq questions often examine.
Example: The Maya developed a precise 365-day calendar divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus 5 additional days considered especially significant.
The Aztecs, who rose to prominence in the 10th century CE, built their capital Tenochtitlan on an island, following a prophetic vision. Their highly stratified society included military elites, farmers, and slaves, with power concentrated in a monarchy claiming divine descent. Their agricultural innovations, particularly the chinampa system, supported dense urban populations.
These civilizations' complex religious practices, including human sacrifice, reflected their cosmological beliefs and social organization. The Aztec Empire&#x