7th Grade Outline: Chapter 5, Lesson 1: The Roots of Mighty Empires (pp. 108-111)

Chapter 5, Lesson 1: The Roots of Mighty Empires (pp. 108-111)

I. A Land of Many Climates

A. Five thousand years ago, the Sahara, now dry, was a land of rivers and lush plant life.

B. As the Sahara's climate changed, people who lived there migrated south to settle in more fertile areas -- the savannas and rain forests.

II. A New Technology
A. In West Africa, the Nok people were the first to begin working iron, around 450 B.C., and were also skilled potters.

B. The Nok people shared their knowledge of iron making and pottery with the people they met.

III. An Ancient Trade Center
A. The ancient trading city, Jenne-jeno, on the Niger River, was inhabited from 250 B.C. to A.D. 1400.

B. Traveling by river or by camel caravan, people brought food, metal, minerals, and a variety of wares to trade in the city.

C. Jenne-jeno was completely abandoned by 1400.