NEXT Section 3 Societies of West Africa The peoples of West Africa developed sophisticated kingdoms, trade networks, and artistic achievements.

Ghana Grows Wealthy NEXT 3 SECTION First West African kingdom, Ghana, grows rich from gold and salt trade Camel caravans cross Sahara; connect West Africa with rest of world Controls this trade from 700s to mid-1000s Kings impose taxes, use wealth for army, build empire

Islam Enters Ghana NEXT 3 SECTION Islam—founded by prophet Muhammad; teaches that there is one God, Allah Muslims—followers of the religion Islam Muslim traders bring Islam from North Africa to West Africa In 1076, Muslim army conquers Ghana city and weakens Ghana’s power

Mali Replaces Ghana NEXT 3 SECTION Its wealth also comes from gold-salt trade By 1200s, kingdom of Mali conquers most of Ghana Mali’s ruler, Sundiata, increases Mali’s power, prosperity Shows off wealth to rest of world; spreads Islamic culture in Mali Other great leader, Mansa Musa (1312— 1337), is Muslim After Mansa Musa’s death, Mali slowly weakens

The Empire of Songhai NEXT 3 SECTION Led by Sunni Ali, they capture Timbuktu, set up governmental system Songhai people break away from Mali, begin own empire Sunni Ali dies (1492); led by Askia Muhammad, Muslims take over After his death, Songhai weakens; Moroccan army defeats Songhai (1591) Askia Muhammad expands trade, sets up tax system, builds Mosques

Other West African Kingdoms NEXT 3 SECTION Yoruba live southwest of Niger River, mostly farmers, have gifted artists Hausa states emerge after A.D in northern Nigeria; trade thrives Kingdom of Benin in delta of Niger River prospers through trade Europeans also trade for enslaved Africans In late 1400s, Portuguese and other Europeans trade goods with Benin Use enslaved laborers to work on large farms, called plantations Image