African Kingdoms Timeline

By Yisak
  • Evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria and central Niger.
    500 BCE

    Evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria and central Niger.

  • Period: 300 to 1200

    The kingdom of Ghana's history begins.

  • Islam begins to spread through Africa
    800

    Islam begins to spread through Africa

  • Ghana's ruling dynasty began.
    830

    Ghana's ruling dynasty began.

  • Headrest
    1000

    Headrest

    Wood headrest ornamented with horse heads projecting from both sides of the rectangular base, which is itself decorated with triangular chip-carved motifs around the top and sides. A rectangular cavity is carved in the center of the seat. A small animal head, probably a horse, projects from the lower portion of the base.
  • Manilla
    1100

    Manilla

    Copper ring forged from a cast ingot into a hexagonal bar. The ends are heavily "upset" or compressed into a button head and then bent into a C shape. There is a dark patina with highlights from wear.
  • Coin
    1148

    Coin

    Gold coin in square cardstock envelope, thin, circular with double square (or lozenge according to the orientation established by the hole at either side) and Arabic script, pearled border. Almohad Dynasty, Fez mint.
  • Ring
    1200

    Ring

    Cast copper alloy U form ring with ends that flare into balloon forms that meet in the middle, each with a flat triangular spike that is riveted together. Ring has an overall delicate incised linear pattern and heavy green, possibly archaeological patina.
  • Jar
    1200

    Jar

    Red colored bowl with lightly incised parallel lines around the rim.
  • Period: 1200 to 1500

    The kingdom of Mali's history starts after Ghana

  • Mali started the trading system.
    1301

    Mali started the trading system.

  • Period: 1464 to

    Songhai, the last of the first three, started

  • Songhai had a war

    Songhai had a war