Africa’s Trading Empires Ghana Mali Songhai

Trans Saharan Trade Trans-Saharan trade requires travel across the Sahara to reach sub-Saharan Africa from the North African coast

Where is West Africa? West Africa is the region of western Africa highlighted in RED. It is on what is known as the “Bulge of Africa.” Please draw a small map of Africa and shade Western Africa in your notes (right hand side). 3

Ghana Empire

Ghana Empire the first of many empires that would rise in that part of Africa. the economy of the Sahel area near the Sahara allowed more trade to occur.

Ghana: Land of Gold The introduction of the camel brought about a revolution in trade, and for gold, ivory, and salt resources of the region could be sent to the north coast near the Middle East and Europe.

Mali Empire

Mali The empire was renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa. The Mali Empire had many profound cultural influences on West Africa allowing the spread of its language, laws and customs along the Niger River.

Mansa Musa Famous and powerful ruler of Mali Took a pilgrimage to Mecca that showed the world Mali’s wealth. Mansa Musa was accompanied by a caravan consisting of 60,000 men and 300 pounds of gold

Mali was an Islamic Empire Islamic Mosque at Djenne

Islamic University in Mali The Muslim city of Timbuktu was a center of learning and scholarship.

Songhai Empire

Songhai The Songhai Empire was a pre-colonial African state centered in West Africa. Songhai was one of the largest African empires in history. Its base of power was on the bend of the Niger River. It began to rise in 1464 when Sonni Ali came to power. He conquered much of the weakening Mali empire's territory as well as Timbuktu

Sunni Ali When Sunni Ali came to power, Songhai was a small kingdom in the western Sudan. But during his twenty-eight-year reign, it grew into the largest, most powerful empire in West Africa Known for building a vast military