1. Empires of Africa
Objective: Describe the Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Benin and Hausa Empires
Do Now: What would be an advantage and disadvantage of living in an Empire?
Empire of Ghana: Begins in the 700’s A.D.
Use of the Camel increases trade across the Sahara desert
Traders had to go through the Ghana Kingdom – pay taxes to Ghana
Gold-Salt trade makes the Kingdom rich (“Land of Gold”)
Ghana’s rulers convert to Islam
Much of the Ghanaian people do not convert
What discovery increased trade through the Sahara desert?
How did Ghana become rich off of trade through the Sahara?

2. Empires of Africa The Empire of Mali: 1235 A.D.
Mali’s wealth and power also built on the Gold trade
New Gold deposits are found – shifts trade routes away from Ghana
Sundiata, first Mali emperor. Conquers Ghana and other African kingdoms
Mansa Musa: A.D. Expands the Empire and increases wealth
Territory doubles in size – Musa Creates Provinces with Governors
Timbuktu becomes the center of African trade, Culture and Learning
Spreads Islam
Ibn Battuta: Studies Mali and other African Kingdoms – creates a history
What did Mansa Musa do to help govern his Empire? Do you remember another great Empire that governed this way?
Why was the work of Ibn Battuta important?

3. Empires of Africa
The Songhai: Become powerful in the 1400’s; ruled by Muslim kings
Gain control of Mali’s trade routes
Sunni Ali ( A.D.). First great King of the Songhai
Focuses on Military Conquest
Expands the Songhai empire
Askia Muhammad: Sunni Ali’s son ( )
Centralizes the Government
Efficient Tax System
Peace during his rule
How were Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad different as rulers?
The Kingdom of Benin: Forest people who create an Empire in West Africa from A.D.
It is the Benin people who begin trading with the Europeans
Portuguese trade at Benin city of Gwatto
Opens the door to European colonization and slavery of African people

4. Empires of Africa What did Benin trade with Europe lead to?
Do Vocabulary on Page 413