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Jan 1, 600
The capital city of Ghana
Koumbi the capital of Ghana was established in 600 AD. -
Jan 1, 700
Ghana started trading
The empire of Ghana stopped raising cattle, sheep, and dates and they began trading valuable things like ivory, slaves, and gold with the close by Arabs in the north and east. -
Jan 1, 1062
Tenkamenin becomes ruler of Ghana
In 1062 Tenkamenin became ruler of Ghana. He lived in a large wood and mud castle that had beautiful sculptures, windows, and pictures painted by royal artists. He also built prisons for enemies, temples,and impressive tombs for other important officials. -
Jan 1, 1203
Sumanguru tries to return glory to Ghana
In 1203, a king named Sumanguru tried to return glory to Ghana, but a new kingdom to the east named Mali was gaining power in 1235 they defeated the last king of Ghana -
Jan 1, 1236
Sundiata became king
In 1236, Sundiata, a magician and warrior, become the king of Mali -
Jan 1, 1240
Sundiata destroys Ghana
in 1240, Sundiata destroyed the capital city of Ghana and took over the gold and salt trade -
Jan 1, 1307
Mansa Musa takes over
in 1307, Mansa Musa (Sundiata's grandnephew) became the ruler of Mali -
Jan 1, 1324
Mansa Musa visits Mecca
in 1324 he visited the holy city of Mecca, as all muslims are required to do in their lifetime. He brought thousands of slaves and hundreds of pounds of gold to show his wealth. He gave many gifts and became very popular. -
Jan 1, 1464
Sunni Ali becomes ruler of the Songhai Empire
A Muslim leader Sunni Ali defeats the forces of Mali and becomes ruler of the powerful West African Empire called Songhai. -
Jan 1, 1493
Askia Muhammad becomes a brilliant leader for Songhai
Askia Muhammad encouraged his people to learn, trade, and he made his army more powerful by forcing the neighboring communities to give extra soldiers. -
Jan 1, 1497
Askia makes a pilgrimage to Mecca
After Askia's pilgrimage to Mecca he brought along doctors, architects, and scholors to help build the Songhai Empire. Askia's empire grew and there were banks, schools, mosques, and courts for the Songhai's citizens. -
The great empire of Songhai is destroyed.
The empire of Songhai lasts until 1700. The forces of Morocco and Spain destroy the last of the powerful African empires.
