Jihad v. Mcworld

Africa in the Middle Ages was similar to what it is now: a mix of traditional and modern. Early in the middle ages, Africa was mostly traditional rural life that gave way to learning and trade centers, such as Timbuktu. This caused Africa to be more prominent in the modern world.

In the early middle ages, the separation between king and subject was far less than in most Asian societies. Most people lived in rural villages that were based on families. They lived in small, round dwellings made of mud and straw. Lineage was based on the mother rather than the father. The mother taught the children until they were six and then, based on gender, they were taught separately. Mothers taught history and language through songs.

Trading centers like Timbuktu created a more progressive world in Africa. They educated people and spread new goods and ideas. They also spread new religions. As people were educated, towns became more efficient and grew. As this happened, kingdoms expanded. Trading was now happening everywhere. The rulers were strong and wealthy. Kingdoms had armies of thousands of men to protect citizens. Gold and salt were the main exports. Kings made pilgrimages with thousands of people and camels and spread the glory of Africa everywhere.

I think trade and cultural exchange destroys family and tribal based cultures. I think that as trade and cultural exchange become more prominent, culture weakens and is no longer as important. I think this is because people are more interested in their modern world than their traditional one. Also, I think cultural exchange would bring in new religions and replace old ones. In addition, I think it destroys societies and families when family members are traveling and learning and not part of the village. I also think that cultural exchange may cause societies to modify their cultures, and not always for the better. Lastly, I think that when societies become more modern, they tend to reject their traditions in favor of new ones. I think they might try to commercialize farmland or village land and put people on “reservations,” like what happened to the Native Americans. This often causes disputes between tribes that are put too near each other. They fight over land and break up families and societies.

Overall, Africa is a mix of traditional and modern. There were villages and cities, huts and palaces. There were king and peasants. The empires rose and fell and gave way to stronger leaders and more prosperous towns. But this all made Africa what it is today: a continent rich in culture, diverse peoples, and history.