-
300
Ghana Controls Trade
After 300 AD, the Sonike began to band together for protection against nomadic herders. In the process, they created strong relationships. They learned how to use the ample amount of resources they were provided. The people of Ghana started to farm, which enabled them to increase their population. After that, they decided to trade with other regions and countries in Africa. After they gathered a lot of iron weapons, they were able to easily defeat other countries. -
300
The Rise of Ghana
From 300 to 800, Ghana was firmly in control of West Africa's trade routes. They had strong armies, trade increased, and became richer. With so many traders passing their lands, Ghana's rulers looked for ways to profit from their dealings. They made everyone pay taxes and banned the residents from owning gold nuggets. They also used their wealth fro conquering many neighboring areas. Finally, the empire of Ghana reached its peak under Tunka Manin, a king. -
Jan 1, 1000
Ghana's Decline
In the mid 1000s, Ghana was rich and powerful, but by the early 1200s, the empire collapsed. This was due to invasion, overgrazing, and internal rebellion. A group of North African Muslims called the Almoravids attacked Ghana. They cut off many trade routes and weakened the empire. The Almoravids brought herds of animals with them that ate all the grass. With less fertile soil, they were not able to farm easily. The people of Ghana also had internal problems and their empire weakened. -
Jan 1, 1230
Sundita Makes Mali an Empire
Like Ghana, Mali lay along the upper Niger River that was at a really good location to control trade. Sundita was a person that conquered many nearby kingdoms, including Ghana, took over salt and gold trade, improved agriculture, and introduced cotton. He took power away from local leaders and took a new title "Mansa". He made Mali a prosperous kingdom and died in 1255. -
Jan 1, 1312
Mansa Musa Rules Mali
Mansa Musa, a Muslim leader, ruled Mali for about 25 years, from 1312 to 1337. He spread Islam through West Africa and gained many new believers. Under his skillful leadership, Mali reached the height of its wealth, power, and fame in the 1300s. He added many new trade routes, including Timbuktu. As a Muslim, he make his journey to Mecca, and gave a lot of gold to others along the way. Mansa Musa supported education and sent scholars to learn in Moroco and then come back to teach others. -
Jan 23, 1337
The Fall of Mali
When Mansa Musa died, his son Maghan took the throne. He was a very weak ruler that weakened Mali greatly. Raiders from the southeast came and set fire to Timbuktu's great schools. In 1431, the Tuareg, nomads from the Sahara, seized Timbuktu. By 1500 nearby all of the lands the empire once had were lost and only a small area of Mali remained. -
Jan 1, 1400
The Beginning of Songhai
When Mansa Musa was ruling Mali, he conquered some parts of Songhai. After mali declined, Songhai got their empire back and from their capital in Gao, they participated in the same trade that made Ghana and Mali so rich. They had a shared religion and eventually grew richer, and expanded their territory. Songhai's expansion was led by Sunni Ali, who became the ruler of Songhai in 1464. He encouraged everyone to work together as a team and overcome their weaknesses. -
Jan 1, 1493
Askia The Great
Sunni Ali died in 1492. After overthrowing his son Sunni Baru, Muhammad Ture, also known as Askia the Great became the leader. Askia supported education and once again made Timbuktu flourish. The city was widely known by the University of Sankore. He was a religious follower of Islam and set up five provinces within Songhai. He also created a professional army. He ruled for about 35 years. -
Songhai Falls To Morocco
Morocco was a northern rival of Songhai since they wanted control of the salt mines. The army set out for Songhai in 1591 and carried very advanced weapons including an early form of guns. They completely demolished the empire. Changes in trade patterns completed Songhai's fall. Slowly, the period of great West African empires came to an end.
