Kingdoms of West Africa Members: Maximilian Ackermann H. David Mejia

Ghana Was the 1st kingdom to be based on the wealth of the salt and gold trade. Ghana took control of the trade routes and bye A.D 800 it became a major trading kingdom. Its capital was Kumbi Saleh.

Ghana’s empire had 2 religion: African Traditional Religion and Islam Even though of the era, they had very good economy and because of the distance from the ocean they were good farmers.

Most important rulers: King Kaya Magha: unknown- 350 A Most important rulers: King Kaya Magha: unknown- 350 A.D, King Reidja Akba: 1400– 1415 A.D In the end, Ghana was conquered by Mali

Mali Most important ruler: -Sundiata, he was the one who united the kingdom. –Mansa Musa Religion: Islam Thanks to the relationships of Mansa Musa, scholars went to Mali to teach religion, math, medicine and law.

Mali’s economy was based on trade of salt, gold and slaves. It becames rich from trade. Mali’s provinces started to get separated after Mansa Musa’s death, making the fall of Mali

Songhai The Songhai Kingdom became rich when it conquered the rich city of Timbuktu. Its capital was Gao. Its religion was Islam The city of Timbuktu had an university and Arab, Italian and Jewish traders gathered there.

The most important rulers were Askia the Great, and Sonni Ali. It came to decline to an army of Morocco, and because before that people of Songhai began fighting among themselves.

Ile-Ife About A.D Ile-Ife became a major cultural and trading center. The powerful leaders of this kingdoms were called Onis. Only sculptures rest in what was known as this kingdom because of the dampness and the thick forest that the area has.

Benin In Benin leaders were called Obas. They mined copper, iron, and gold. By 1500 Benin became the most powerful empire of Africa, it became a center of art. The works of art were mostly made from bronze, ivory and copper.

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