Chapter 13- Medieval Africa

Western African Kingdoms  One of the first empires to develop in Africa was in Ghana. It was known as the “crossroads of trade”.  Ghana made iron weapons that helped them conquer its neighbors. Ghana ruled those who owned gold mines.  Ghana was later conquered by the kingdom of Mali. Mali then inhabited Timbuktu and became the leader in trade.  Mali was then conquered by Sunni Ali, leader of Songhai. After 100 years in power, a Moroccan army attacked Mali and it fell.  All kingdoms were powerful through trade but were somewhat exposed to outside armies because of it’s geography.  One of the first empires to develop in Africa was in Ghana. It was known as the “crossroads of trade”.  Ghana made iron weapons that helped them conquer its neighbors. Ghana ruled those who owned gold mines.  Ghana was later conquered by the kingdom of Mali. Mali then inhabited Timbuktu and became the leader in trade.  Mali was then conquered by Sunni Ali, leader of Songhai. After 100 years in power, a Moroccan army attacked Mali and it fell.  All kingdoms were powerful through trade but were somewhat exposed to outside armies because of it’s geography.

East Africa, Ethiopia & the rise of Axum  In 1005 B.C. Queen Makeda rose to power in a great empire called Saba/Sheba. Ethiopians believed she met King Solomon, leader of the Israelites and introduced the Israelites religion to her empire.  Saba eventually declined but Ethiopia known as Abyssinia was still a very important place in African history. A city-state named Axum was the center for trade for eastern Mediterranean and East Asian worlds. (Location was very convenient)  In A.D. 300, King Ezana of Axum eventually fought and defeated neighboring kingdom Kush and seized control of trading routes. In A.D. 334 Ezana brought Christianity to Axum. Within a few hundred years, Islam began to spread throughout Africa’s eastern coast.  In 1005 B.C. Queen Makeda rose to power in a great empire called Saba/Sheba. Ethiopians believed she met King Solomon, leader of the Israelites and introduced the Israelites religion to her empire.  Saba eventually declined but Ethiopia known as Abyssinia was still a very important place in African history. A city-state named Axum was the center for trade for eastern Mediterranean and East Asian worlds. (Location was very convenient)  In A.D. 300, King Ezana of Axum eventually fought and defeated neighboring kingdom Kush and seized control of trading routes. In A.D. 334 Ezana brought Christianity to Axum. Within a few hundred years, Islam began to spread throughout Africa’s eastern coast.

Government & Religion  Ghana, Mali and Songhai were all built of traditions. These kingdoms were ruled by kings. These kings were helped by their councils and close advisors. The king also made all decisions regarding trade.  These African groups believed in their own traditional African religions, Christianity and Islam.  Ghana, Mali and Songhai were all built of traditions. These kingdoms were ruled by kings. These kings were helped by their councils and close advisors. The king also made all decisions regarding trade.  These African groups believed in their own traditional African religions, Christianity and Islam.

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