Medieval African Civs

[Fez_Monk]

Does anyone know anything about the history of the medieval African trading kingdoms like Mali and Ethiopia? Any links to some web pages would be nice to. I'm just curious because I've never seen anything about the more advanced African civs in my history books.

 

[Sodak]

The Ashanti were another key civ. The encyclopedia britannica site has basic information about this sort of thing. Check our their site!

 

[Fez_Monk]

Thanks!! I'll go check it out.

 

[Nahuixtelotzin]

Not quite about medieval times, but I've found a whole book available online about the late ancient Aksumite Empire.http://users.vnet.net/alight/aksum/mhak1.html

 

[Fez_Monk]

Thats an interesting read. Thanks.

 

[Supernaut]

There's a good book called 'The Scramble for Africa' by (Thomas?) Pakenham - it looks at the European Empires' takeover, but has a lot on what was there before, and on those areas and countries (Like Ethiopia) which defended themselves. I never realised that the Ethipian Army inflicted the greatest defeat on any European Army by and African one when they told the Italians where to get off - that's why Mussolini was so keen to smack it back to them in the '30s (mustard gas and all).

Any other book tips would be appreciated - I find it fascinating to read about these civilisations which are so hidden in our school history. It helps counter the 'they all lived in mud huts 'til we arrived' school of thought.

 

[JoeM]

I totally agree about the Mud huts attitude, which I still have due to a lack of education on most of the world which I'm trying to correct.

That attitude also sponsors the idea that Europeans were soiling 'pristine cultures' as they explored, colonized...and invaded.

I'll try and pick up that Pakenham title Supernaut recommends.