Name:____________________
Period:_________
Date:_______________
Ancient Africa
Directions: Read the article below and underline the key words in each sentence. Answer the questions
on the back.
Daily Life
Although we mostly hear about the vast riches of the kings of Ancient Africa, the daily
life of the average person was much different. The commoners in Ancient Africa were
typically very poor and had to work hard all their lives.
Typical Jobs
-
-
-
-
-
Farmers - Most people in Ancient Africa were farmers. They spent much of their
day working the land growing crops such as yams, sorghum, barley, and wheat.
Some people fished for food or took care of herds of livestock such as cattle and
sheep.
Traders - Traders played an important role in the economy of Ancient Africa.
They moved goods across the Sahara Desert using caravans of camels. Some
traders became wealthy and held high positions in society.
Artisans -Artisans included blacksmiths, weavers, tailors, jewelers, and tool
makers. In some Ancient African societies, artisans were thought to have magical
powers.
Warriors - Warriors were important in the large empires of Ancient Africa such as
the Mali and the Songhai Empires. Professional warriors kept the peace and
maintained power for the emperor. During times of major wars, farmers were
required to join the army and help fight.
Slaves - There were also many slaves in Ancient Africa. Slaves were often
people captured from enemy tribes during war or were born into slavery.
Sometimes criminals were forced into slavery for their punishment.
Types of Homes
Most people of Ancient Africa lived in thatched huts with walls made from clay and
straw. Generally these huts were round and had a single room. The homes of royalty
and the kings were often made of wood and stone.
What did they wear?
As Islam became a more popular religion in Africa, people began to wear more clothing.
Typical materials included animal skins, fur, cotton, and some regions even made
clothing from the bark of trees.
The people of Ancient Africa also wore jewelry and makeup. Jewelry was made from
different items depending on where the people lived including gold, seashells, feathers,
and gemstones.
Interesting Facts about the Daily Life in Ancient Africa
Children were often considered adults at around the age of 12. Girls usually married
around 12 or 13 years old. Their fathers chose the husband.
1. Select the best answer: Name of the group of people who maintained peace and power for the
emperor.
a. Farmers
d. Emperor
b. Traders
e. Warriors
c. Artisans
2. Why do you think they were important?
3. Select all that apply: name the details that could describe an average African.
a. Poor
b. Thatched huts with clay walls
c. gold
d. animal skins
e. home with a single room
4. Select the best answer: Children were considered an adult by what age?
a. 11
d. 14
b. 12
e. 15
c. 13
5. Formulate why fathers would have chosen husbands for their daughters at a young age.
6. Compare African farmers to what we know about Native American farmers.