What features did people living south of the sahara have in common?

- Agricultural societies: Most people subsisted on agriculture, relying on crops such as millet, sorghum, and yams.

- Diverse languages and cultures: West Africa was home to a wide range of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, customs, and traditions.

- Iron technology: Iron tools and weapons became widespread in West Africa around 500 BCE, significantly improving agricultural techniques and warfare.

- Trade and commerce: West Africa was an important crossroads for trade, connecting the region to North Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe through trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold, ivory, and slaves were significant commodities.

- Social structures: Most West African societies were organized into hierarchical structures with kings, chiefs, and other leaders holding political power.

- Religious beliefs: Traditional African religious practices were widespread, with a belief in a supreme being, ancestral spirits, and religious rituals to honor them.

- Early kingdoms and empires: Several powerful kingdoms and empires emerged in West Africa, such as the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire, which contributed to cultural and economic growth in the region.