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300
Ghana
After AD 300, the Soninke began to band together for protection against nomadic herders who wanted to move into the area. This banding together was the beginning of Ghana -
300
Ghana
As trade in gold and salt increased, Ghana's rulers gained power. -
300
Ghana
By 800 Ghana was firmly in control of West Africa's trade routes. Nearly all trade between northern and southern Africa passed through Ghana. Ghana's army kept the trade routes safe. Trade increased, and so did Ghana's wealth. -
Jan 1, 1312
Mali
Mali's location on the Niger also allowed its people to control trade on the river. As a result, the empire grew rich and powerful. According to legend, Mali's rise to power began under a ruler name sundiata. -
Jan 1, 1312
Mali
Religion was very important to Mansa Musa. In 1324 he left Mali on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Through his journey, Mansa Musa introduced his empire to the Islamic world. He spread Mali's fame far and wide. -
Jan 1, 1400
Songhai
That rival was the Songhai kingdom. From their capital at Gao, the Songhai participated in the same trade that had made Ghana and Mali so rich. -
Jan 1, 1400
Songhai
In the 1300s Mansa Musa conquered the Songhai adding their lands to his empire. But as the Mali Empire weakened in the 1400s, the people of Songhai rebelled and regained their freedom. -
Jan 1, 1464
Songhai
As the Songhai gained in wealth, they expanded their territory and built an empire. Songhai's expansion was led by Sunni Ali, who became ruler of the Songhai in 1464. -
Mali
Mansa Musa ruled Mali for about 25 years, from 1312 to 1337. During that time, Mali added many important trade cities to its empire, including Timbuktu.
