African kingdoms

Definition

African kingdoms were organized political entities within Africa during various historical periods. They encompassed diverse societies with centralized authority structures that controlled territories and engaged in various economic activities such as agriculture, trade, and sometimes even overseas expansion.

Related terms

Kingdom of Aksum: This was an ancient African kingdom located in present-day Ethiopia that played a significant role in international trade through its control over parts of the Red Sea coast.

Great Zimbabwe: Referring to both a medieval city and an empire located in present-day Zimbabwe, it was an important center of trade and production in southern Africa.

Mali Empire: A powerful West African empire known for its wealth, particularly in gold, and its control over the trans-Saharan trade routes.