Trading States and Kingdoms Chapter 4, Section 1

The Spread of Islam in Africa In the 600s CE, invaders from Arabia brought Islam to North Africa. Gradually Islam spread south and east. Although hundreds of African religions already existed throughout the continent, Muslim empires developed along the Mediterranean Sea.

Empires and States of Africa Beginning in the 700s, new empires and states developed in Africa. West African empires developed south of the Sahara. These empires became wealthy through trade within and outside of Africa. In East Africa, Islamic and indigenous African cultures mixed to form a new culture known as Swahili. Swahili city-states developed along the coast.

Empires and States of Africa The three main West African empires were: Ghana (700-1076 CE) Mali (1240-1500 CE) Songhai (1335-1591 CE) All empires were able to grow and thrive due to the gold-salt trade.

The Gold-Salt Trade Trade strengthened African states and empires as it linked the economies of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Caravan routes through the Sahara linked North and West Africa to Europe and the Middle East. Many African states grew wealthy through Saharan trade.

The Gold-Salt Trade Salt and gold dominated trade within Africa. Gold and ivory were valuable for trade with other parts of the world. This gold-salt trade would eventually be eclipsed by the trade in slave labor.

Mansa Musa One of the most significant rulers of this time period is Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa was an outstanding ruler of Mali. He used his armies to capture salt mines. Peace and prosperity reigned throughout his empire. Timbuktu became a major trading center in his kingdom.

Mansa Musa Mansa Musa converted to Islam (partially to strengthen the trading ties with the North African Muslim empires.) Under Mansa Musa, the influence of Islam increased. The emperor based his system of justice on the Koran. Mansa Musa also took the hajj to Mecca, which earned him international renown.

Mansa Musa Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca led to increased contact between Africans and the outside world. His great wealth was on display when he stopped in Egypt. His lavish spending led to the rampant inflation of the Egyptian currency which took many years to correct. He sent ambassadors abroad and invited Muslim scholars to his land.

The Great Mosque of Mali (Djenne)

Mansa Musa Mansa Musa’s empire declined rapidly after his death. His heirs were not as skillful at leading as Mansa Musa. Parts of the Mali Empire broke away and became the Songhai Empire.

Big Ideas Many of our misconceptions about Africa stem from the European perspectives about Africans. Inherent in these ideas are strong elements of racism and ethnocentrism. Prior to European arrival, Africa had powerful and well-developed empires. The gold-salt trade, interactions with the Arabic world, and the travels of Mansa Musa are all evidence of an advanced and prosperous people. These strong states, however, will be torn apart by interactions with Europeans and the creation of the transatlantic slave trade.