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Ghana's capital, Koumbi, was established in 600 A.D.
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The people of Ghana began as farmers, but the Sahara desert expanded into their farmlands due to droughts, and by about 700 A.D, they stopped raising cattle, sheep, dates, and started to trade ivory, slaves, and gold with Arab neighbors in the North and East.
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In about 1062 A.D, Tenkamenin becomes ruler of Ghana. He lived in a large wood in a mud castle that had beautiful sculptures, windows, and pictures painted by royal artists. Also, he built prisons for enemies, temples, and impressive tombs for other important officials. He ruled a very wealthy kingdom too.
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In 1236 A.D, Sundiata, Magician, and warrior rose to the crown and took rule over Mali.
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In 1240 A.D, Sundiata demolishes the capital of Ghana. Then he takes over the salt and gold trade.
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Sundiata's grandnephew, Mansa Musa, a very religious muslim, becomes the new ruler of Mali.
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Mansa Musa brought thousands of slaves, and hundreds of pounds of gold to Mecca While fulfilling his duty of doing the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj. He showed his wealth with the gold he brought and gave many gifts and became very popular.
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Sunni Ali, the muslim leader of Songhai, defeated Mali's forces. After that, he became the ruler of the most powerful west african empire.
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Askia Mohammad, also known as songhai's most brilliant leader, took the throne in 1493 A.D. He encouraged trade, and increased the power of the army by forcing neighboring communities to provide extra soldiers.
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Askia made Pilgrimage to Mecca in 1497 A.D. He brought doctors, architects, scientists, and scholars to help build the empire. Songhai grew and prospered all because of Askia's openminded policies.Banks, schools, mosques, and coourts were created for the citizens of Songhai and remained the most powerful empire in West Africa for 203 years.
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The invading forces of spain and Morocco destroyed the last Great African Empires.
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Ghana's king turned muslim around 950 A.D. He started taxing goods that passed through his kingdom, and created a large army to exect tribute from neighboring communities for protection
