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Period: 100 to
East Africa 100 B.C. - 2011 A.D.
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200
Axum 100 B.C. 650 A.D.
Axum was an incredibly powerful kingdom located in Ethiopia. Its close access to the Red Sea made it a bustling international trade center. Right around the 3rd century, Axum launched its own currency. A new language, Geez, was also established during the time of Axum and included a written form. Additionally, a new king, Ezana, began his reign in 320 A.D. and soon declared Christianity the official religion of the kingdom. All these milestones helped establish Axum’s mighty standing in history. -
200
Christianity Introduced and Established60-400 A.D.
The first recorded and possibly most significant introduction of Christianity to Africa was initiated by Mark, an evangelist from the Bible. He and his four comrades brought Christianity to the coast of Egypt around 60 A.D. Their group did not travel all the way into East Africa; they simply started the spread of Christianity up in Egypt. Some Egyptians then spread the message downwards and out. Later on, in 327 A.D. -
Feb 3, 700
Archaeologists Discover Ancient Port 700 A.D. – 1000 A.D.
Present day archaeologists working in Kenya found a shipyard from the time period of 700 A.D. The archaeologists have found evidence of the ancient people keeping cattle and being a part of the Islamic religion. Around 900 A. D. they had an official Islamic temple and began to speak Bantu, which later became known as Swahili. In 1000 A. D. East Africa became involved with trade from Egypt, West Asia and Muslim India. -
Ethiopia is Invaded by Italy
Menelik was king of Shewa and emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913. In 1895, Italy invades Ethiopia. Shortly after in 1896, the Ethiopian’s defeated the Italian military at Adwa. Ethiopia’s independence is recognized, but Italy retained control over Eritrea. Following Menelik’s death in 1913, his grandson Lij lyasu succeeded him. In 1916, Lij lyasu was deposed and Menelik’s daughter, Zawditu, became ruler. After a fourteen year rule, in 1930, Zawditu died and was succeeded by Ras Tafari -
Uganda’s Government Established
In 1890, Britain and Germany signed a treaty giving control what was to become Uganda to Britain. In 1892, the Imperial British East Africa Company agent Frederick Lugard helped Britain gain control of southern Uganda. Two years later, Uganda became a British protectorate. 1900, was an important year in Uganda’s history, because Britain signed an agreement giving Uganda autonomy. Shortly after in 1902, Kenya has the eastern providence of Uganda transferred to them. Another two centuries go -
Kenya’s Government
In Kenya, in 1944, the first African was appointed to a legislative council. Also in 1944, the Kenya African Union (KAU) was formed. Jomo Kenyatta became the KAU leader in 1947. The secret guerrilla group known as Mau Mau begins violent attacks against white settlers in 1952. This caused a state of emergency to be declared and Kenyatta to be arrested. In 1956, after thousands of Africans were killed, the Mau Mau rebellion was put down. During 1959 and 1960 progress was made with Kenyatta -
Uganda’s government Established
In 1890 the country of Uganda came about because the British and Germans signed a treaty giving control of Uganda to Britain. In 1892 the Imperial British East Africa Company agent Frederick Lugard helped Britain gain control of southern Uganda. Where in 1894 Uganda became a British protectorate. In 1900 the British signed an agreement with Uganda to give it autonomy from Britain. In 1902 the eastern providence of Uganda is transferred to Kenya. In 1921 Uganda is given its first legislative -
Zimbabwe’s Independence
In 1980, during Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence, pro-independence leader Robert Mugabe and the Zanu party won the independence elections. The position of Prime Minister was given to Mugabe, and the Zapu leader, Joshua Nkomo, was given a position in his cabinet. By April 18th, Zimbabwe’s independence was recognized by the world. In 1982, Nkomo was fired after Mugabe accuses him of wanting to overthrow the government. Tragically, over the next few years government forces are accused of k -
Somali Pirate Hostage Situation in 2011
In 2011 Somali held 1,206 people as hostages. 35 of the people that were held hostage by the Somali pirates died; some died during the rescue operations and others due to malnutrition or disease during their captivity. Half of the hostages were subjected to violence and abuse such as being burned with cigarettes or having their fingernails pulled out with pliers. Some of these captives have been held hostage for over two years.
