The African Trading States: West Africa Bell Ringer: What was the Great Zimbabwe and why was it so significant to the Shona?

West Africa There were several societies in West Africa mostly between Lake Chad and the Atlantic. Wealth and strength came from Trade Route control across the Sahara. Gold and Salt were high trade items. Gold mined south of Sahel, traded for salt mined in the desert. Gold was for further trade, salt for preservation. By 1500 trade grew to include slaves, textiles, copper, jewels. Ruled by Monarchies.

Ghana Earliest Kingdom of West Africa. Established by the Soninke people after 300. Began as an old trading village of Kumbi. Profited from gold and salt. Used iron tools to farm and clear land for farming and grazing. Responsible for Agriculture along the Niger River. Built large armies at peak of the kingdom In 1235 the Malinke people overthrew Ghana to form Mali.

Mali Followed the fall of Ghana, in the same area, along the upper Niger River. Led by ruler: Mansa Musa, who supported education, arts, and public building. Under his rule Timbuktu became the center of learning. Made pilgrimage to Mecca. Disputes about successor after Musa, led to weakening. Kept control until 1400’s. In 1468 rebel leader Sonni ‘Ali captured Timbuktu and built Songhai Kingdom.

Songhai Centered around Gao, on the Niger River. Stretched from the Atlantic to Lake Chad. Lead by Sonni ‘Ali, and successor Mohammed I Askia. Askia lead them to strong commercial center, with goods from Europe, India, China, and a mix of merchants. Timbuktu was the center. After Askia there was a decline: Groups fought, leading to weakness.

Homework Chapter 8, Section 3 Review. –1, 3 (For #1 do all terms minus Swahili, Shona) –Due tomorrow at the start of class. –Binders checked tomorrow for your weekly points.