Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Agenda
 Bell Assignment
 Finish – Rap or Speech! (15 min)
 Discuss East African Kingdoms
 Begin Classical India

Chapter 12 Section 4

People and the Environment
 The people and environment of Africa are very diverse.
 Africa has jungles, mountains, savannas, and deserts.
 The people have different languages, customs, government structures, religious beliefs and ways of adapting to the environment.

Map of Africa

Adapting to the Environment
 The peoples of Africa adapted to the diverse landscape of Africa in many ways.
 Deserts – Hunting and gathering
 Savanna – Herding
 Coasts and Rivers – Fishing
 Dense jungles – slash and burn agriculture

Forms of Government
 Along with the various geographical features and people, Africa also had various forms of government.
 Some villages shared power among a number of people. (women, elders, or men)
 Some areas were controlled by kings, who divided their kingdoms into districts, which were governed by loyal officials.
 Some areas elected kings whose power was limited.

Patrilineal vs Matrilineal
 Family patterns in Africa also varied.

For example, some families were patrilineal, which meant inheritance and kinship ties were passed through father’s side.

However, some families were matrilineal, which meant inheritance and kinship ties were passed through mother’s side.

Religious Beliefs
 The religious beliefs also varied in Africa.
 Some areas were polytheistic.
 Ancestor worship in some areas.
 Supreme force helped by lesser spirits.
 Christianity and Islam are major religions in
Africa.