Answer to Question #178526 in History for Justin

Question

Discuss briefly how topography shaped the economies and settlement patterns of

the precolonial communities of Southern Africa.

Answer 1

The precolonial communities in south Africa were majorly farmers. The people resided close to water and places with fertile soils. The people grew sorghum and millet. they also kept livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. besides, they formed iron equipment and copper decorations. Climatic changes was primary in settlement patterns in valley of Limpopo.The iron age farmers struggled with droughts . consistent floods resulted to serious farming which contributed to population rise. consequently, there was increased trade of ivory and gold from the Indian ocean. These led to the formation of social classes and religious leadership that gave rise to the first civilization in southern Africa known as Mapungubwe.