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Period: 100 to 200
Camels introduced for trade in the Sahara
Camels were introduced from Asia, and flourished in arid environments, which was perfect for trade. However, they could not live in the humid forests because of disease. So, the southern edge of the Sahara became the main point in which people would exchange and trade. -
300
Origins of the kingdom of Ghana
Ghana was founded in the 3rd century, and came to power through the taxing of salt and gold within their borders, -
Period: 600 to 700
Islam spreads across North Africa
Islam was able to spread through North Africa because of merchants and travelers, not attacking armies. -
1000
Ghana at height of its power
During the 10th century was when Ghana was at the height of its power. At this time the leaders of Ghana had converted to Islam. Ghana could also easily produce produce a a very large army. -
1100
Almoravid movement in the Sahara
Almoravid troops attacked Ghana from North Africa in 1076. Ghana did manage to stay alive, however, their power decreased significantly. Finally, at the start of the 13th century, new states came to power In the savanna took Ghana’s role of leadership. -
1200
Rise of the empire of Mali
The Empire of Mali arose in the 13 century, when they branched off from the kingdom of Ghana. Mali was located between the Senegal and Niger rivers. This empire decided to reinstate the the previous ways of kingship by Islam. Mali was an example of the Isalmicized Sudanic Kingdoms, and was a society that’s foundation was agriculture. -
1260
Death of Sundiata; earliest stone buildings at Zimbabwe; Lalibela rules in Ethiopia; Yoruba culture flourishes at le-lfe.
Sundiata, was an incredible and influential figure, whose accomplishments were often praised by oral traditions. Sundiata was the “lion prince” from the Keira clan and started the empire of Mali. He died in 1260. -
1300
Mali at its height; Kanem empire is a rival
Mali was at its height when they were under the rule of Mansa Musa. As well a s in 1350, when the Mali Empire was a confederation of 3 states: Mali, Memo and Wagadou and twelve garrisoned provinces. The Kanem empire was a rival to Mali because they were the longest lasting empire in Africa (700-1380) -
1324
Pilgrimage of Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa could have very well been Sundiata’s most famous successors. His pilgrimage to mecca in 1324, gave him the ears of the Muslim world so that everyone was looking at Mali. He also brought a poet and architect from Muslim Spain back to Mali to direct the building of mosques. -
1400
Flourishing of cities of Timbuktu and Jenne; Ethiopian Christian Kingdom; Swahili cities flourish on East African coast.
Jenne and Timbuktu were cities that thrived because they were cities of commercial exchange.Timbuktu was a port city of Mali, and had a population of 50,000. -
1417
Last Chinese trade voyages to east Africa
Chinese Ports would send goods to Africa from the 13th century all the way up to 1417, and 1431. The expeditions sailing from china would stop at the East African coast to bring aboard ivory, gold, and rare woods. The Chinese then stopped Direct contact after 1431, And received imports from Arab ships or Indian traders. -
1431
Last Chinese trade voyages to East Africa
Chinese Ports would send goods to Africa from the 13th century all the way up to 1417, and 1431. The expeditions sailing from china would stop at the East African coast to bring aboard ivory, gold, and rare woods. The Chinese then stopped Direct contact after 1431, And received imports from Arab ships or Indian traders. -
1500
Songhay empire flourishes; Benin at height of power.
Songhay arose in the 7th century, as an individual kingdom Under the Berber dynasty. This kingdom followed Mali, and was at its height when they were under the rule of Sunni Ali. Benin was an authoritative city-state, and mostly stayed free from European influence. Benin was a prominent commercial and political kingdom up until the 19th century.
