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Jan 1, 700
Farming Era Ends
Because of several droughts, the Sahara Desert begins to expand and eventually the Ghanians stop raising animals and growing food.They start trading ivory, gold, and slaves with their Arab neighbors. -
Period: Jan 1, 700 to Jan 1, 1235
Empire of Ghana
The general time the empire of Ghana was at its peak. -
Period: Jan 1, 700 to
The Great African Empires
The timespan of the empires of Ghana,Mali,and Songhai. -
Jan 1, 1076
Assualt on the Capital
Muslim invaders attack Ghana's capital and capture it. This instigates the eventual collapse of the Empire of Ghana. -
Jan 1, 1235
The End of Ghana's Power
A new kindgom in the east named Mali begins to grow in power. They are soon powerful enough to defeat the last king of Ghana in 1235. Ghana still exists, but they are surely greatly weakened and their position as a powerful empire fades. -
Jan 1, 1236
New Leader of Mali
Sundiata, a prior magician and warrior, takes over the new empire of Mali that is gaining power and will soon be a big leader in Western Africa -
Period: Jan 1, 1236 to Jan 1, 1464
Empire of Mali
The time Mali was at its peak. -
Jan 1, 1240
Controlling Trade
In the year 1240, Sundiata ordesrs to destroy the capital of Ghana and soon takes over the gold and salt trade Ghana was involved with. This definetly was an important event to help the empire financially. -
Jan 1, 1307
Mansa Musa's Reign Begins
In 1307, Mansa Musa ( a descendant of Sundiata), becomes the leader of Mali. He is often regarded as the most famous leader because of his actions that promoted Mali. -
Jan 1, 1324
Mansa Musa's Hajj
Manas Musa being a Muslim makes his trip to Mecca in 1324. During this trip, he gave away tons of gold to many, raising the popularoty of Mali. -
Jan 1, 1464
A Leader of a Powerful Empire
Sunni Ali, a Muslim leader in Songhai defeats the the popular empire of Mali. This lets him become the leader of the most powerful West African Empire in their time. -
Period: Jan 1, 1464 to
Empire of Songhai
The time the empire of Songhai was at its peak. -
Jan 1, 1493
The Great Leader
Askia Muhammad becoems the leader of the Songhai Empire. He is referred to and very well may be the most brilliant leader of the empire. Part of this is because he encouraged learning, trade, and strengthened their army. -
Jan 1, 1497
A Rewarding Hajj
Also being Muslim, Askia ,uhammad is required to go on a pilgrimage or Hajj for religious purposes. He brings back many talented people like doctors and architects that will help build up his empire. -
The End of the Great Empires
Foreign invading forces including Spain and Morocco are powerful enough to overcome all of the Great African Empires and put an end to them -
A New Religion Arrives
The King of Ghana becomes a Muslim.He taxed items going through Ghana and assembled a large army to collect money for protection.
