Unless you have actually taken time to learn African history, you probably have a difficult time expanding the regular course work in your world history class. There are historic towns that textbooks will mention but they usually don’t expand on these locations. But we should strive to add more details to our African history units because the history exists, it is interesting, and students feel more connected to the world when they learn about the whole world.

This resource highlights five of Africa’s greatest historic landmarks. These cities/landmarks are usually highlighted in world history curriculum but never with enough detail. Enrich your lessons with the depth of knowledge this resource provides.

The five landmarks included in this resource are:

• Great Zimbabwe
• Kilwa Kisiwani
• Jebal Barkal
• University of Sankore
• Mogadishu

Each landmark is described in a short read. Why a short read? Because I understand that you don’t have a ton of time. The short reads describe particular elements of the construction, the geography, and the reason for the construction but in a short, concise reading.

This resource can be used as one large study unit that focuses on African landmarks and history but it can also be broken into smaller lessons that help to enhance your current unit.

What are the landmarks?

The Jebal Barkal is a famous landmark from ancient African history. Most world history curriculums will include short lessons about the history of Nubia but if not, this is connected to ancient Egyptian history. Easy addition.

The Great Zimbabwe and Kilwa Kisiwani have a connected history and are connected to the Indian Maritime Trades Routes which means this resource can easily integrate into your maritime unit.

The University of Sankore is a part of the history of Mali and Mansa Musa.

The Mogadishu read is actually a expanded history and is not a short read. The history describes the early people and follows major events until the 20th century. I thought it would be interesting for students to see a complete history of a major city in Africa. They get to see changing influences and time periods.

Summaries are included for each landmark.

This resource can be purchased as a print only resource but has a ready to assign TPT Easel™ component if you want a digital option.

For classrooms that need a virtual option, you can purchase a Google Classroom™ version. The resource is the exact same thing but has ready to type response boxes on the summary pages.

I created this resource with world history in mind and is appropriate for middle school or high school.

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