West African Civilizations 15.2

The single most important development in the history of northwestern Africa was the use of the as a transport vehicle. -area just south of the Sahara (Sahara is a desert in Africa) The Sahel is a dry, hot area with fertile areas and grasslands All of the major grew up in this area: Ghana, Mali, Songhay, and Kanem-Bornu

Ghana In the 200’s, Berbers (Muslim people) began using camels to cross the Sahara for trade By 700, trade made the kingdom of rich Ghana lacked and traded their abundance of to get the resource.

is essential to life in Ghana Ghana influenced by however the people of Ghana never fully embrace the religion In 1075 to the Almoravid people

Mali Mali also a kingdom based on., ruler who expanded the kingdom of Mali Skilled military leader and fair ruler Made pilgrimage (hajj, to Muslim holy land Mecca) While on pilgrimage, handed out revealing to non-Africans the wealth of Africa 1400 Mali begins to decline

In just a short time Europeans are going to colonize Africa. (Basically invade and use the land and people for their own benefit). What do you think the Europeans were after and is it possible that Mansa Musa made a mistake during his Hajj? If so what was it?

Songhai The decline of Mali gave rise to the kingdom also important Sunni Ali, important ruler who captures the cities of Timbuktu and Djenne. Songhai collapses in 1591 because of Moroccan invades. Collapse signals of 1,000 years of west African empires

Other People of West Africa Hausa Named for their language Had city-states in Nigeria Traded cloth, salt, grain, and enslaved people Rulers fight so much that no one can build an empire

Yoruba Live in Benin and Nigeria in small farming communities Believed king divine and religious leader Yoruba great artists, create wood and ivory carvings

Benin Located on Niger river 1400, Oba, the ruler raises army and builds city walls Artistic creation out of copper, brass and bronze 1480, Portuguese arrive and begin trading with Benin