The Empires of Ghana, Mali

Ghana

Gold for Salt Trans-Saharan trade was based on 2 main products: Gold and Salt West Africa was rich in gold, but didn’t have salt. People north of the Sahara needed gold – it was the basis of the currency of most countries.

Trans-Saharan Trade (across the Sahara desert) Ghana: Kingdom of Gold Trans-Saharan Trade (across the Sahara desert) North Africans brought salt to trade for gold The Niger river was used for travel, trade, and farming for many ancient civilizations

Islam The traders and merchants were the first to convert to Islam. Traders used silent barter.

Almoravids In 1076 a Muslim group from North Africa invaded Ghana. Known as the Almoravids they preached holy war against non-Muslims. They captured the capital of Ghana and the leaders converted to Islam. While Ghana never recovered from this fierce invasion, a new empire would develop in their place.

I. Mali Builds on Ghana’s Foundation A. Sundiata- chief of the Malinke people. 1235 - Establishes Mali and pushes its borders through Ghana and beyond. Opens up gold for salt trade and expands trade routes.

Mali continued: Sundiata Established Timbuktu Location - Niger River Important for Islam Supported growing of food crops and cotton. Was Muslim. Mixed traditional beliefs with Islam, and allowed subjects to practice their own religions.

Map of Mali

I. Mali Builds on Ghana’s Foundation (continued) Rise of Mansa Musa 1307- Mali’s most famous ruler comes to power, Mansa Musa. Was Muslim, but allowed his followers to practice their own religions. Name means Emperor Moses.

Mansa Musa Pilgrimage As a Muslim, Mansa Musa made the Hajj. He arrived in Mecca and brought with him: 12,000 slaves, 80 camels, 300 pounds of gold. In front of him on the pilgrimage, he had 500 slaves dressed in silk, carrying gold staffs.

Timbuktu Becomes center of Islamic learning after Mansa Musa brings back great scholars like As-Saheli. Muslims from all over Africa and the Middle East traveled to Timbuktu to study. Mali is literally and figuratively put on the map thanks to Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage.

II. Decline of Mali A. Internal Problems When Mansa Musa died, family argued over who was next in line (brother). Newly conquered regions began to rebel. In East, Songhai people gained strength. Back in 1325, Mali captured Songhai city of Gao. 40 years later, Gao was independent of Mali B.External problems Beber nomads came from the North and Eventually captured Timbuktu. In the south, bandits raid caravans and military outposts. By 1500, Mali had been pushed back into it’s original borders, no longer a strong empire.

The End

III. The Empire of Songhai A. Songhai expands Berbers controlled the city of Timbuktu since 1433. In 1468, Muslim leaders asked the Songhai king, Sunni Ali, to overthrow the Berbers. Ali does, killing many people and taking control of Timbuktu. Gets a reputation as a powerful king who rules harshly. Conquered neighboring land like Djenne, after 7 year siege.

III. The Empire of Songhai (continued) B. Askia Muhammad Empire expanded greatly under Sunni Ali’s rule. When he died in 1492, his son was declared ruler. Askia Muhammad wanted to seize the crown though. Felt that Sunni Ali did not practice Islam the right way. A year later, Askia defeated Sunni Ali’s son and become ruler.

III. The Empire of Songhai (continued) C. Askia’s Organization Greatest achievement was organizing the government. Divided empire into provinces. Put a governor in charge of each province. Had directors of finance, agriculture, army, and navy. Set up a system of organized tax collection. Spread Islam throughout the empire using scholars. In rural areas, traditional beliefs were still mixed with Islam.

Example of mixing beliefs..

III. The Empire of Songhai (continued) D. Songhai Falls Askia Muhammad’s son would eventually remove his father from the throne. He was followed by a series of weak rulers. 1580’s- Moroccans take over the salt mines. 1591- Moroccans take over Timbuktu and Gao. Empire collapsed Even with the fall of the Empire, those Africans who live in kinship groups will live much the same as they had before or during the empire.

Gallery Walk With a partner, walk around the room and answer these questions by looking at the placards up on the wall.