Kingdoms of West Africa Chapter 11, Section 2

Kingdoms of the Savanna There were a variety of kingdoms in the savanna. They controlled trade routes across the Sahara. The Niger river was another trade route.

Kingdoms of the Savanna Salt and gold were the basis for trade in West Africa. People from the forest regions sold gold for salt. First kingdom to be based on the salt and gold trade was Ghana.

Kingdoms of the Savanna About 400 AD, Ghana took control of the trade routes. 800 AD was a major trade kingdom. Around 1000, the power of Ghana weakened.

Kingdoms of the Savanna By 1200, Mali became the trade capital. Sundiata united the kingdom in 1230. Mali became the most powerful kingdom in West Africa.

Kingdoms of the Savanna In 1312, Mansa Musa became ruler of Mali. Islam was brought to West Africa, and became the official religion of Mali.

Kingdoms of the Savanna Mansa Musa made a trip to Mecca. Created new ties between Mali and the Muslim people. These ties led Mali to become the center of learning. Scholars came to teach religion, mathematics, medicine, and law.

Kingdoms of the Savanna About 50 years after Musa’s death, Mali’s power began to fade. Several provinces broke away and became independent. Songhai was one of those and it became an empire.

Kingdoms of the Savanna Less than 100 years, Songhai lost its power. The era of rich and powerful trading empires of West Africa ended.

Kingdoms of the Forest At the same time, other kingdoms came about in the rain forests to the south. These people were not Muslims. Two of the most important kingdoms were the Ile-Ife and the Benin. Located in present day Nigeria.

Kingdoms of the Forest Trade was also a part of their wealth. About 1000 AD, Ile-Ife became the cultural and trade center. Powerful leaders were called onis.

Kingdoms of the Forest Difficult to know about the people. Built city on top of previous city. Region covered with thick growth and dampness. Sculptures have survived.

Kingdoms of the Forest Benin dates to 1200. They mined copper, iron, and gold. Also sold slaves. Leaders were called obas.

Kingdoms of the Forest By the 1500s, Benin reached its greatest. Late 1600s began losing power. City hired artists to make objects out of bronze, brass, ivory, and copper.

HOMEWORK Read P. 316-317 Answer questions #1-4 Read P. 318-323