Understanding Slavery Initiative
Understanding Slavery Initiative: Africa Before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of West Africa provides a context for learning about the transatlantic slave trade. Discover the rich cultural traditions and economic networks that existed in the West African empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay long...
Emory University
Emory University: Odyssey Online: Ancient Africa
This site is about ancient Africa. The site breaks down information into sections about people, mythology, daily life, death and burial, writing, and archeology.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Africa Art: Ancient West African City of Benin
A photographic exhibit of art objects from Benin from the period of 1300 to 1897 C.E. Extensive commentary is given for each object. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Collapse: Mali and Songhai: Growth and Decline
Engrossing site that explores the settlement and decline of Mali and Songhai. The site examines the city of Timbuktu and the impact of years of turmoil and conquest on the settlement.
PBS
Pbs: Mystery of Great Zimbabwe
Describes the racist views of European imperialists when they encountered the ruins of Greater Zimbabwe. Also describes the archaeological history of the ruins and explores the question: who built them?
BBC
Bbc: The Story of Africa Great Zimbabwe
A site on the ancient African civilization Great Zimbabwe presents some background information on the civilization, such as who the rulers were, the Great Zimbabwe monument, and the decline of the empire. Archived.
PBS
Pbs: Wonders of the African World: City of Great Zimbabwe
From the PBS series "Wonders of the African World," comes this description of ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Includes some reasons why the city may have collapsed.
University of Calgary
University of Calgary: West Africa
Article from the University of Calgary that examines the development and growth of Islam in West Africa. The Islamic religion is traced from the beginning of the period through today.
University of Calgary
Merchants & Traders: 330 Bce 1500ce
Article provides a brief examination of the merchants and traders of Africa during the early period of African history.
Other
World Socialist Web Site: A Journey Through Africa's Civilizations
From the World Socialist Web Site, this is a review of Harvard professor Henry Gates' book, "Wonders of the African World." It includes interesting details of Gates' attempts to piece together a view of precolonial African history. (4...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: West African Society at the Point of European Contact
Prior to European contact, western Africa's powerful kingdoms supported the arts, technology, and thriving economies. Read about the areas from which slaves were transported before the transatlantic trade began.
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Grade 6 Social Studies: West African Kingdoms
Learners develop and express claims through discussions and writing which examine the impact of relationships between ideas, people, and events across time and place. To accomplish this, they recognize recurring themes and patterns in...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: African Mask
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this flipchart students will explore African Mask and its cultural significance while learning about different mask features. Students will participate in a highly interactive lesson in which they...
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: Lessons: Africa
This lesson plan features ideas suitable for teaching about ancient Africa that generate excitement about this subject.
Archaeological Institute of America
Archaeology: Riddle of Great Zimbabwe
Briefly explores the differing explanations for Great Zimbabwe's location and structures.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: Kingdoms & Empires 200 Bc Ad 400
An outline of the kingdoms and empires that reigned in Africa from 400 to 1500 A.D. Links to further information is found in the outline.