1. West Africa

2. Ghana 800 A.D.-1200 800 A.D.-1200 Present-day Western Mali and southeastern Mauritania. Present-day Western Mali and southeastern Mauritania.

3. Ghana The Kingdom of Ghana was established by uniting many farming villages. Ghana, meaning ruler, had a strong central government. The Kingdom of Ghana was established by uniting many farming villages. Ghana, meaning ruler, had a strong central government. The capital of Ghana, Kumbi Saleh, was where the kings of Ghana regulated the salt and gold trade. Gold was plentiful in West Africa. The capital of Ghana, Kumbi Saleh, was where the kings of Ghana regulated the salt and gold trade. Gold was plentiful in West Africa. Ghana was defeated in the 13 th century by rival trading kingdoms. By the end of the 1200s, part of ancient Ghana was absorbed into the kingdom of Mali. Ghana was defeated in the 13 th century by rival trading kingdoms. By the end of the 1200s, part of ancient Ghana was absorbed into the kingdom of Mali.

4. Mali 1200 A.D.-1450 A.D. 1200 A.D.-1450 A.D. Located in Present-day Mauritania, Mali, and Niger. Located in Present-day Mauritania, Mali, and Niger.

5. Mali Mansa Musa was the greatest ruler of Mali who came to throne in 1312. He expanded the empire and converted to Islam. Mansa Musa was the greatest ruler of Mali who came to throne in 1312. He expanded the empire and converted to Islam. Musa made the pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He traveled lavishly through Egypt. This showed his devotion to Islam and created diplomatic ties with Muslim states. Musa made the pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He traveled lavishly through Egypt. This showed his devotion to Islam and created diplomatic ties with Muslim states. Decline: The empire of Mali declined as a result of succession disputes around the mid 1400s. Decline: The empire of Mali declined as a result of succession disputes around the mid 1400s.

6. Songhai 1450-1600 A.D. 1450-1600 A.D. Present-Day Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Present-Day Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso

7. Songhai The Songhai absorbed the Kingdom of Mali around 1450. The Songhai absorbed the Kingdom of Mali around 1450. Sonni Ali was one of the Songhai’s greatest kings. He expanded his control and practiced traditional African Religion. Sonni Ali was one of the Songhai’s greatest kings. He expanded his control and practiced traditional African Religion. Askia Muhammad took over after Ali’s death and created a Muslim empire. He improved the government by appointing officials for separate departments of farming, army, and the treasury. Askia Muhammad took over after Ali’s death and created a Muslim empire. He improved the government by appointing officials for separate departments of farming, army, and the treasury. Timbuktu was the center of learning. Muslim scholars came from all over to study there. Timbuktu was the center of learning. Muslim scholars came from all over to study there. In 1586 disputes over succession led to civil war, and the ruler of Morocco sent armies to defeat the Songhai. In 1586 disputes over succession led to civil war, and the ruler of Morocco sent armies to defeat the Songhai.

9. What have we learned? Africa has been involved in trade. Africa has been involved in trade. Africa is home to a variety of religions, and is welcoming of new ideas. Africa is home to a variety of religions, and is welcoming of new ideas. Africa has had diverse experiences. Africa has had diverse experiences. Africa has a rich history. Africa has a rich history.