1. Kingdoms Of
West
Africa

2. A Satellite View

3. The geographic diversity and geographic barriers of Africa led to the development of many different cultures on the continent.

7. Ghana (800 – 1000) I. Trade: II. Government:
Controls trade (trade routes) in gold and salt across West Africa.
Caravans brought salt to Southern Ghana.
Returned North with gold from Southern Ghana.
II. Government:
Women work in business and government
King has Muslim advisors
Power of king = ability to tax trade routes = rich revenues = able to create a strong, powerful army.

8. III. Society: Rulers built capital city. Used captives as slaves
Governed wide area through use of officials and nobles.
King appointed nobles to govern provinces
Had to pay tax to central government
Similar to European Feudalism

9. Mali (1200 – 1450) I. Mali conquers kingdom of Ghana
Establishes new empire
Rulers brought gold and salt mines under their control
II. Mansa Musa becomes great emperor
Most powerful ruler
Large army protected & provided order
Expanded kingdom
Mansa Musa converted to Islam (religious pilgrimage in 1324)
Met and brought back Muslim Scholars and Architects to Mali
(Remember: Mansa Musa Mali Muslim)

10. III. Center of Trade: IV. Ibn Battuta: Mali controls gold trade routes
Timbuktu becomes a great trading city and center of learning. (located on Niger River)
Studied the Koran
IV. Ibn Battuta:
Arab traveler
Impressed with Mali’s wealth
Respect for the law
Power of the ruler
Often compared to Marco Polo

11. Songhai (1450 – 1600) I. Gains Power: II. Trade:
Grows into largest West African state
Brought upper Niger under control
II. Trade:
Controls important trade routes
Grew rich from trade across the Sahara
Trade expanded to Europe and Asia
Elaborate System of Taxation & Communication

12. Natural Resources