Empires of Africa Objective: Describe the Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Benin and Hausa Empires Do Now: What would be an advantage and disadvantage of living in an Empire? Empire of Ghana: Begins in the 700’s A.D. Use of the Camel increases trade across the Sahara desert Traders had to go through the Ghana Kingdom – pay taxes to Ghana Gold-Salt trade makes the Kingdom rich (“Land of Gold”) Ghana’s rulers convert to Islam Much of the Ghanaian people do not convert What discovery increased trade through the Sahara desert? How did Ghana become rich off of trade through the Sahara?

Empires of Africa The Empire of Mali: 1235 A.D. Mali’s wealth and power also built on the Gold trade New Gold deposits are found – shifts trade routes away from Ghana Sundiata, first Mali emperor. Conquers Ghana and other African kingdoms Mansa Musa: 1312-1332 A.D. Expands the Empire and increases wealth Territory doubles in size – Musa Creates Provinces with Governors Timbuktu becomes the center of African trade, Culture and Learning Spreads Islam Ibn Battuta: Studies Mali and other African Kingdoms – creates a history What did Mansa Musa do to help govern his Empire? Do you remember another great Empire that governed this way? Why was the work of Ibn Battuta important?

Empires of Africa The Songhai: Become powerful in the 1400’s; ruled by Muslim kings Gain control of Mali’s trade routes Sunni Ali (1464-1492 A.D.). First great King of the Songhai Focuses on Military Conquest Expands the Songhai empire Askia Muhammad: Sunni Ali’s son (1492-1529) Centralizes the Government Efficient Tax System Peace during his rule How were Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad different as rulers? The Kingdom of Benin: Forest people who create an Empire in West Africa from 1200 -1500 A.D. It is the Benin people who begin trading with the Europeans Portuguese trade at Benin city of Gwatto Opens the door to European colonization and slavery of African people

Empires of Africa What did Benin trade with Europe lead to? Do Vocabulary on Page 413