1. Ghana, Mali, & Songhai Recap

2. Niger River & Sahara Desert Niger River helped trade & farming Sahara Desert  salt mines found there

3. How did Islam change West Africa? Shift from matrilineal to patrilineal Weakened tribal systems Written language  Arabic Inspired West Africans to travel to Muslim countries Cities became centers of Islamic learning (Muslim libraries, schools, etc.)

4. Ghana 1 st kingdom to arise in West Africa Became major trading center because of location between gold fields & salt mines Kings were government AND religious leaders Defeated by Almoravids

5. Mali Founded by Sundiata Controlled gold fields Slaves used to clear land for farming

6. Mali Upper classes & city-dwellers converted to Islam Expanded trade routes from West Africa into Egypt

7. Songhai Started as part of Mali Empire before breaking away Askia Muhammad – king who expanded Songhai Empire & spread Islam Most people Muslim Biggest kingdom (compared to Ghana & Mali)