Kingdoms Of West Africa

A Satellite View

The geographic diversity and geographic barriers of Africa led to the development of many different cultures on the continent.

Ghana (800 – 1000) I. Trade: II. Government: Controls trade (trade routes) in gold and salt across West Africa. Caravans brought salt to Southern Ghana. Returned North with gold from Southern Ghana. II. Government: Women work in business and government King has Muslim advisors Power of king = ability to tax trade routes = rich revenues = able to create a strong, powerful army.

III. Society: Rulers built capital city. Used captives as slaves Governed wide area through use of officials and nobles. King appointed nobles to govern provinces Had to pay tax to central government Similar to European Feudalism

Mali (1200 – 1450) I. Mali conquers kingdom of Ghana Establishes new empire Rulers brought gold and salt mines under their control II. Mansa Musa becomes great emperor Most powerful ruler Large army protected & provided order Expanded kingdom Mansa Musa converted to Islam (religious pilgrimage in 1324) Met and brought back Muslim Scholars and Architects to Mali (Remember: Mansa Musa Mali Muslim)

III. Center of Trade: IV. Ibn Battuta: Mali controls gold trade routes Timbuktu becomes a great trading city and center of learning. (located on Niger River) Studied the Koran IV. Ibn Battuta: Arab traveler Impressed with Mali’s wealth Respect for the law Power of the ruler Often compared to Marco Polo

Songhai (1450 – 1600) I. Gains Power: II. Trade: Grows into largest West African state Brought upper Niger under control II. Trade: Controls important trade routes Grew rich from trade across the Sahara Trade expanded to Europe and Asia Elaborate System of Taxation & Communication

Natural Resources