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It was located in what is now southeastern Mauritania, and Western Mali. The empire’s capital is believed to have been at Koumbi Saleh on the rim of the Sahara desert. A tradition in historiography maintains that Ghana fell when it was sacked by the Almoravid movement in 1076, but this interpretation has been questioned. It is clear, however, that Ghana was incorporated into the Empire of Mali.
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When Ghana’s ruling dynasty began is uncertain, it is first mentioned in documentary sources around 830 CE. The introduction of the camel, which preceded Muslims and Islam by several centuries, brought about a gradual change in trade, and for the first time, the extensive gold, ivory trade, and salt resources of the region could be sent north and east to population centers in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe in exchange for manufactured goods. -
Its thin, circular with double square engraved on it and Arabic script with a pearled border -
The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa I. The Mali Empire had many cultural influences on West Africa, allowing the spread of its language, laws and customs along the Niger River. It had three huge gold mines wthin its borders. It had a full-time army in order to defend its borders.
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It is difficult to determine when and how Ghana declined and fell. It is clear, however, that Ghana was incorporated into the Empire of Mali, according to a detailed account of al-‘Umari, written around 1340. Ghana still retained its functions as a sort of kingdom within the empire, its ruler being the only one allowed to bear the title malik -
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. The surface patina of this ring suggests it was once buried, possibly recovered from an archaeological site. The design is distinctive to the Inland Niger Delta region -
It was from the Inland Niger Delta region, Mali.Using a mixture of coarse clay and added grog (crushed pot sherds), the potters modeled the figures by hand. Some were modeled in separate parts and fitted together. Most surviving examples are solid, but a few are hollow and built with clay coils. The surfaces are polished and covered with a red slip (clay wash). -
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Red colored ceramic bowl with lightly incised parallel lines around the rim. Containers made for daily use hold water or serve as cooking utensils. They also make vessels to be used in special ceremonies or that become part of an assemblage of objects placed in a shrine. -
Christianity has a long history in Ethiopia, its spread among the peoples of the highlands.
The cross is perhaps the most pervasive symbolic artifact. The most beautiful and intricate are the processional crosses used in ceremonies and festivals throughout the liturgical calendar. They are mounted on long poles and sheltered by canopies and parasols of silk and velvet.
This cross was cast in one piece from a copper alloy. The cross carries engravings of the four archangels on its arms. -
It started under the control of the Mali Empire. Songhai was one of the largest Islamic empires in history. The Songhai economy was based on a clan system, the most common were metalworkers, fishermen, and carpenters. Upper classes in society converted to Islam while lower classes often continued to follow traditional religions.
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Following the death of the Emperor Askia Daoud, a civil war of succession weakened the Empire. When the Emperor met Judar at the 1591 Battle of Tondibi, Songhai forces, despite vastly superior numbers, were routed by a cattle stampede triggered by the Saadi’s gunpowder weapons. Governing so vast an empire proved too much for the Saadi Dynasty however, and they soon relinquished control of the region, letting it splinter into dozens of smaller kingdoms. -
Around 1610, Mahmud IV died. He had three sons who fought over Manden’s remains. No single person ever ruled Manden after Mahmud IV’s death, resulting in the end of the Mali Empire.