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
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What were the early
steps/results in developing
Farming
civilization?
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 IronSmelting
• 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)