Kingdoms of West Africa

Trade in the Sahara Migration occurs due to the drying out of the Sahara Migrate to grasslands. Grow crops. Surplus. Surplus leads to trade. Networks develop. (Remember your map) What types of things were traded? Gold and salt dominate. (Sometimes 1lb for 1 lb!!) So, as trade develops, cities begin to grow and flourish on the edge of the Sahara!

Ghana: Land of Gold Kingdom of Ghana created by the Soninke people. Kingdom of Ghana created by the Soninke people. Located in the “v” of Senegal and Niger rivers. Located in the “v” of Senegal and Niger rivers. Arab traders call this the “land of gold”. Arab traders call this the “land of gold”. Capital: Kumbi Saleh. Where the king resides. Capital: Kumbi Saleh. Where the king resides. King is a godlike figure (much like a pharaoh) King is a godlike figure (much like a pharaoh) Many merchants live here due to the lure of gold. Many merchants live here due to the lure of gold.

Influence of Islam Muslim traders and merchants bring their faith with them. Muslim traders and merchants bring their faith with them. Ideas of government, economics, language, coins Ideas of government, economics, language, coins Most Soninke people follow their own customs Most Soninke people follow their own customs Muslims called Almoravids Muslims called Almoravids overwhelm the area. However, most of the Kingdom of Ghana is taken over by the Kingdom of Mali.

Sonni Ali (2) vs. Mansa Musa(1) Sonni Ali (Songhai) Sonni Ali (Songhai) Soldier king Soldier king Built largest state in West Africa, following the fall of Mali Built largest state in West Africa, following the fall of Mali Leader of Songhai Empire Leader of Songhai Empire Did not adopt Islam, following traditional beliefs Did not adopt Islam, following traditional beliefs Expanded territory of empire/improved government Expanded territory of empire/improved government Mansa Musa (Mali) Mansa Musa (Mali) Ruler of Mali Worked to ensure peace and order Muslim System of Justice based on Quran Expanded territory of empire/improved government See more about me at the bottom of page 348

Askia Muhammad Followed Sonni Ali as leader of Mali in 1492 Followed Sonni Ali as leader of Mali in 1492 Set up a Muslim dynasty Set up a Muslim dynasty Expanded Songhai territory Expanded Songhai territory Improved the government Improved the government Set up bureaucracy with different departments Set up bureaucracy with different departments (farming, military, and treasury…) (farming, military, and treasury…) Each was supervised by government officials Each was supervised by government officials

Askia Muhammad vs. Mansa Musa Both made pilgrimage to Mecca Both made pilgrimage to Mecca Led to stronger ties with the Muslim world Led to stronger ties with the Muslim world Both became centers for Islamic education Both became centers for Islamic education

Civil War in the Songhai Dynasty Disputes over succession led to frequent changes in leadership (similar to Mali) Disputes over succession led to frequent changes in leadership (similar to Mali) Eventually led to civil war Eventually led to civil war Morocco invaded from the north to gain control of the Songhai gold and salt mines Morocco invaded from the north to gain control of the Songhai gold and salt mines Following invasion Songhai never recovered Following invasion Songhai never recovered Benin and the Hausa: See pages Benin and the Hausa: See pages The Bronze of Benin The Bronze of Benin