The Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai

Main Ideas: To compare and contrast the cultures of the kingdoms and empires in Africa before the 1600s. To compare and contrast the cultures of the kingdoms and empires in Africa before the 1600s. To see how African peoples built successful societies in the region beginning in ancient times. To see how African peoples built successful societies in the region beginning in ancient times.

Early African History Early Africans were hunter-gatherers Early Africans were hunter-gatherers 3000 B.C.- migration lasts several thousand years 3000 B.C.- migration lasts several thousand years –Bantu people Migrated from modern-day Nigeria to the west and south, spreading their farming and ironworking skills, along with their language Migrated from modern-day Nigeria to the west and south, spreading their farming and ironworking skills, along with their language

Kush and Axum 800 B.C. Kush kingdom along the Nile in present-day Sudan 800 B.C. Kush kingdom along the Nile in present-day Sudan –Grew wealthy from trade and ironworking –Gold, ivory and iron –Rulers built temples and monuments –Defeated by Axum in 300s A.D. Axum Axum –In present-day Ethiopia –A.D. 300s- King Ezana accepts Christianity as official religion of Axum Great Zimbabwe Great Zimbabwe –1400s- supplied gold, silver, and ivory

Trading Empires: Ghana Ghana is the earliest African trading empire Ghana is the earliest African trading empire Controlled trade between the Sahara and West Africa’s rain forests. Controlled trade between the Sahara and West Africa’s rain forests. Salt and cloth for gold and ivory Salt and cloth for gold and ivory Taxes made Ghana wealthy Taxes made Ghana wealthy 1,000s- North African invaders disrupted Ghana’s trade and made kingdom collapse 1,000s- North African invaders disrupted Ghana’s trade and made kingdom collapse

Trading Empires: Mali Replaced Ghana Replaced Ghana Grew wealthy from farming and control of the gold and salt trade Grew wealthy from farming and control of the gold and salt trade Mansa Musa- skilled administrator Mansa Musa- skilled administrator –Timbuktu becomes major center of trade, education, and Islamic culture

Trading Empires: Songhai Muhammad Toure was the most famous Sonhai leader Muhammad Toure was the most famous Sonhai leader –Follower of Islam –Songhai ruled until about 1600