The+influence+of+Islam+and+Christianity+on+African+culture+and+the+blending+of+traditional+African+beliefs+with+new+ideas+from+Islam+and+Christianity

Early Civilizations of Africa  Outside Influences Affect North Africa

**Phoenicians Build Carthage** While Nubia was thriving along the Nile, Carthage emerged along the Mediterranean in North Africa. Founded by Phoenician traders, Carthage forged a huge empire from 800 B.C. to 146 B.C. At the end of the Third Punic War, however, Rome destroyed Carthage.

**Rome Rules North Africa** The Romans then utilized North Africa’s farmlands to provide grain for their armies. They also built roads and cities, and later brought Christianity to the area.

**Islam Spreads Into Africa** Muslim Arabs took control of North Africa in the 690s. Islam replaced Christianity, and traders later carried the religion to West Africa. Arabic replaced Latin as North Africa’s main language.

Kingdoms of West Africa media type="file" key="Islam_Comes_to_Timbuktu.mov" width="360" height="360" align="right"

Ghana: The Land of Gold

**Influence of Islam** Ghana was very prosperous and attracted Muslims from the north. They brought new ideas about military technology and business. Muslims also introduced their coinage and written language. Later, Ghana was swallowed up by a new power, the rising kingdom of Mali.

The Kingdom of Mali 

Mansa Musa fulfilled one of the Five Pillars of Islam by making the haji, or pilgrimage, to Mecca in 1324. His pilgrimage to Mecca created ties to Muslim states and brought Islamic scholars to Mali to provide religious instruction.
 * The Hajj of Mansa Musa**

Societies in Medieval Africa

Religious Beliefs Early African religions were varied and complex. They involved many gods, goddesses, rituals, and ceremonies. Many people believed in one supreme being, and some honored the spirits of ancestors. By A.D.1000, Christianity and Islam had spread and absorbed many local practices and beliefs in many regions of Africa.