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Koumbi the capital of Ghana was established in 600 AD.
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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.
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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.
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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
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In 1236, Sundiata, a magician and warrior, become the king of Mali
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in 1240, Sundiata destroyed the capital city of Ghana and took over the gold and salt trade
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in 1307, Mansa Musa (Sundiata's grandnephew) became the ruler of Mali
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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.
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A Muslim leader Sunni Ali defeats the forces of Mali and becomes ruler of the powerful West African Empire called Songhai.
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Askia Muhammad encouraged his people to learn, trade, and he made his army more powerful by forcing the neighboring communities to give extra soldiers.
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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.
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The empire of Songhai lasts until 1700. The forces of Morocco and Spain destroy the last of the powerful African empires.
