Kingdoms of Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai

Kingdom of Ghana Western Africa, located on the Senegal River Emerged in 500 A.D. 1st Great Traders of West Africa Gold and Salt trade Farming communities throughout nation Strong rulers, no laws to govern with Rulers acted as religious leader, judge, and military commander as well Well trained army to protect Kingdom Vast wealth- resources of gold, silver, and iron ore

Ghana Continued Traded gold and salt but also cloth and weapons Berbers- traders whom carried the products across the desert Camels used About 3 miles per hours, about 60 days to reach destination Spread of Islamic ideas through trade Literacy grew- study of the Qu’ran

Empire of Ghana King collected taxes on all goods traded Usually took tax payments as gold or salt blocks King controlled/owned all gold Preventing it from losing its value you at market Type of economy- Government Controlled! Elaborate dress for the wealthy 800 A.D.- reached empire status Smaller rulers left in place over territories Like a bureaucracy Independent rulers pay tax = freedom of state

End of Ghana Lived in luxury for hundreds of years Weakened by war Collapsed in the 1200’s Invasion

Kingdom of Mali 12th Century Defeated Ghana, captured capital 1240 Extended from Atlantic Coast to Timbuktu Wealth came from gold and salt trade Each village had its own ruler Ruler governed and sent money to the king of Mali

Mansa Meaning “ruler” Major Ruler- Sundiata provided wealth and power to empire re-organized government Capital- Niani moved government westward provided more trading posts

Mansa Musa Powerful king, 1312- 1337 Extended kingdom (double the size) Strong central govt., kingdom divided into provinces Timbuktu- Islamic learning center Pilgrimage to Mecca, wanted education in Mali Built mosques and libraries Civil War, 1359 divided Mali, beginning of the end

Kingdom of Songhai Niger River Valley Islamic kingdom Land very fertile (yearly flooding) Islamic kingdom Benefited from Muslim trade routes Askia the Great- expanded the kingdom, 1464 Cities - Timbuktu and Djenne Created a professional army Gave total control of trade routes to Songhai Ruled for over 30 years

Songhai Continued Muhammad Ture - Golden Age ruler Expansion, peaceful and secure time After his reign entered into a decline By 1600- Songhai completely declined Lacked modern weapons Overthrown finally by North African armies