1. Focus 4/24
The majority of Africa's population resides in the grasslands known as the Savanna. In ancient Africa many kingdoms gained a great deal of wealth engaging in the salt and gold trade. The Kingdoms of Songhai, Ghana, and Mali all controlled key trade routes and built strong economic empires.
Point for Discussion: Why did Africa find it difficult to engage in sea trade?
Term to Know: reside
Critical Lens: Salt and Gold built the economies of many West African kingdoms.

2. KINGDOMS OF WEST AFRICA

3. WEST AFRICA
Desertification caused people to migrate west

4. WEST AFRICA
Trans-Saharan Camel Caravans linked west and east Africa

5. WEST AFRICA
Location of Ghana gave it control of Gold and Salt Trade in West Africa

6. WEST AFRICA
Almoravids bring Islam to Ghana

7. WEST AFRICA
Empire of Mali develops after fall of Ghana

8. WEST AFRICA
Greatest Emperor of Mali was Mansa Musa

9. WEST AFRICA
Mansa Musa strengthened Islam, increased education, and promoted trade in Mali.

10. WEST AFRICA Mansa Musa made Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca
- showed devotion to Islam
- created more trade
- peaked interest in Mali

11. Mansa Musa’s Hajj

12. WEST AFRICA
1440 – City of Timbuktu becomes leading center of learning and culture and attracts people from around the world.

13. WEST AFRICA
Location of West African Kingdoms allowed them to control key trade routes and benefit from Gold and Salt
Islam became a prominent religion in West Africa
West Africa excelled in education