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This is when the great empire of Ghana flourished in West Africa. Ghana's long empire lasted for such a long time because of their control in trade. They taxed people coming through Ghana to trade (Ghana was at the center of trade routes) and became wealthy that way.
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After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, continued for another 1000 years. The east also had its own unique churuch, the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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Justinian was a ruler after Constantine died. He was an important ruler because he made key changes to Constantinople. He was known as a rather mean ruler, but he also made good improvements, like new buildings (the Hagia Sophia) and gaining back lost land (only temporarily though)
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Muhammad introuduced the the Muslim faith to the world and is believed to be God's prophet by the Muslims. He also made the Muslims' holy city Makkah, and started the Muslim Empire. When he died, there was a dispute over whether a descendent of his would rule, or just a Muslim, since he did not say who would rule the Muslim Empire after him. Because of this, there are two Muslim groups today: Sunnis and Shi'as.
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At about this time period, Islam spreads in Africa, It will leave a lasting impact in African culture and traditions.
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In this period, the Muslims conquer Syria (634), Jerusalem (638), Egypt (642), North and West Africa (644), Persia and Iraq (670), and Spain (711). They lose an attack on Constantinople (674), and the Battle of Poiters France (732).
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In 750, the Muslim Abbassids created an empire with the capital as Baghdad (named capital in 762). Abd al-Rahman, an Umayyad Muslim created an empire in Spain with Cordoba its center, at around the same time. And the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt (captial: Cairo) rose up at aroudn the 10th century.These empires lasted about 500 years.
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A weakened Ghana was now under Muslim control. Several factors contributed to Ghana being much more vulnerable and weak, suhc as loss of scarce resources like trees and water, forcing people to move to other places.
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THe Mande conquer Kumbi, ending the empire officially (Ghana regained power in 1087 but was very weak and eventually was conquered). This started a new empire, the Mali Empire.
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These next two African empires were also very wealthy. They also made the Muslim religion spread in West Africa, so that even now Muslim faith has much influence on African culture and traditions. (The ending date of the Songhai empire is guesstimated here)
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Mansa Musa became the first West African ruler to seriously practice Islam. He also made a hajj, or pilgrimage, like all other Muslims, to Makkah and Madinah. He reached Cairo, Egypt in July 1324. The hajj covered about 3000 miles and was prepared for months before the actual trip. About 80000 people went with Mansa Musa on the hajj, carrying much wealth and gold and supplies that impressed everyone. Because of this hajj, the Mali empire gained respect and appeared on an European map 1375.
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The Turks take over Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. The picture shown is of the Hagia Sophia, a famous church of Constantinople.
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At about this time, the Dome of the Rock is built in Jerusalem, causing much commontion with Jews and Christians, since Jerusalem is THEIR holy city, and the Muslims built the Dome of the Rock there.
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About this time, Ghana was at its height, its Golden Age. This is when Ghana was most wealthy and sucessful, and dominated trade routes. The Almoravids conquered Ghana's capital, Kumbi, in 1076, ending the empire.
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At about this period, the Byzantine Empire was at its peak.
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The Muslims conquered North Africa. This event is important since it is one more area the Muslims conquer, and because North Africa is close to West Africa and brings the Muslims closer to West Africa. (A lot of key events will happen once Muslims take over West Africa) The Muslims will make a big impact in African culture and traditions.
