Introduction to the African Continent | APAAS

Introduction to the African Continent

Obverse of coin with half-length bust of Ezanas right, crowned, holding a stick or scepter, flanked by two wheat-stalks, the whole in a beaded circle with Greek lettering around the outside.

  • Topics 1.2–1.4

AP African American Studies Guide

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Topic 1.2

The African Continent: A Varied Landscape

Learning Objectives

Essentials

Learning Objectives

LO 1.2.A 

Describe the geographic features of the African continent.

LO 1.2.B

Explain how Africa’s varied landscape affected patterns of settlement and trade between diverse cultural regions.

Essentials

Places/Geography

  • Climate zones
  • Sahara
  • Sahel
  • Red Sea
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Niger River
  • Congo River
  • Zambezi River
  • Orange River
  • Nile River
  • Indian Ocean

Required Sources

You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.

Color-coded map of Africa noting different vegetation zones

Vegetation of Africa

by Exploring Africa, Michigan State University

Visualize the varied vegetation zones of the African continent.

  • Thematic Map

Additional Resources

You can further develop your knowledge of this topic with primary and secondary sources.

Map of Africa noting the major rivers.

Africa's Major Rivers

by Exploring Africa, Michigan State University

View some of the key geography of the African continent.

  • Thematic Map
Map of Africa in tan, with arrows in black, red, green, and yellow showing the spread of Christianity and Islam, Bantu migrations, and trade routes within and beyond the continent

Migrations in Ancient African History

from Exploring Africa, African Studies Center

Explore the spread of Bantu languages, Christianity, and Islam and trade routes throughout African kingdoms.

  • Thematic Map

Topic 1.3

Population Growth and Ethnolinguistic Diversity

Learning Objectives

Essentials

Learning Objectives

LO 1.3.A 

Describe the causes of Bantu expansion across the African continent.

LO 1.3.B

Explain how the Bantu expansion affected the linguistic diversity of West and Central Africa and the genetic heritage of African Americans.

Essentials

Terms

  • Bantu / Bantu expansion
  • Xhosa
  • Swahili
  • Kikongo
  • Zulu

Required Sources

You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.

Topic 1.4

Africa’s Ancient Societies

Learning Objectives

Essentials

Learning Objectives

LO 1.4.A 

Describe the features of, and goods produced by, complex societies that emerged in ancient East and West Africa.

LO 1.4.B

Explain why Africa’s ancient societies are culturally and historically significant to Black communities.

Essentials

Terms

  • Geʽez

Places/Geography

  • Nubia (also known as Kush or Cush)
  • Aksum/Aksumite Empire
  • Nok

People

  • Black Pharaohs
  • King Ezana

Required Sources

You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.

A stylized terracotta sculpture of a seated man with an oversized and elongated head relative to their body, chin resting on the figure's knees. Damage to the figure's shins.

Nok Sculpture

500 BCE–500 CE

View this sculpture from ancient Nigeria.

  • Primary Source
Obverse of coin with half-length bust of Ezanas right, crowned, holding stick or scepter, flanked by two wheat stalks, and Greek letters around the outside, the whole in a beaded circle

Aksumite Coin

340–400

Examine this coin and its representation of ancient Ethiopia as a trading hub.

  • Work of Art

Additional Resources

You can further develop your knowledge of this topic with primary and secondary sources.