African Kingdom Timelines

By Joseterreneitorvado
  • 500 BCE

    Discovery of evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria

    Discovery of evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria
  • Period: 300 to 1200

    Ghana was the first of the three early African empires

  • 800

    Islam is spread throughout Africa

    Islam is spread throughout Africa
    The introduction of the camel, which preceded Muslims and Islam by several centuries
  • 830

    Ghana's first ruling dynasty's begining is uncertain

    Ghana's first ruling dynasty's begining is uncertain
    it is first mentioned in documentary sources around 830 CE
  • 830

    The introduction of the camel was revolutionary

    The introduction of the camel was revolutionary
    The introduction of the camel, which preceded Muslims and Islam by several centuries, brought about a gradual change in trade, and for the first time, the extensive gold, ivory trade, and salt resources of the region could be sent north and east to population centers in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe in exchange for manufactured goods.
  • Period: 970 to 1076

    Ghana's decline

    Given the scattered nature of the Arabic sources and the ambiguity of the existing archaeological record, it is difficult to determine when and how Ghana declined and fell. The earliest descriptions of the Empire are vague as to its maximum extent, Ghana had forced Awdaghast in the desert to accept its rule sometime between 970 and 1054.
    A tradition in historiography maintains that Ghana fell when it was sacked by the Almoravid movement in 1076
  • 1000

    Iron technology spread throughout Africa

    Iron technology spread throughout Africa
  • 1067

    Ghana's Capital

    Ghana's Capital
    The empire’s capital is believed to have been at Koumbi Saleh on the rim of the Sahara desert. According to the description of the town left in 1067, the capital was actually two cities six miles apart but “between these two towns are continuous habitations”, so that they might be said to have merged into one.The major part of the city was called El-Ghaba and was the residence of the king.
  • 1067

    Ghana's Politics

    Ghana's Politics
    It is mentioned that the king had officials who surrounded his throne when he gave justice, and these included the sons of the kings of his country. In 1067 Ghana was surrounded by independent kingdoms
  • 1076

    Ancient Ghana at last fell

    Ancient Ghana at last fell
  • Period: 1200 to 1500

    Mali was the next empire

  • 1250

    Headrest

    Headrest
    Dogon people attribute carved wooden headrests in Bandiagara cliffs to Tellem, former inhabitants from 11th-16th centuries. They have elegant silhouettes, minimal decoration, and animal heads, unlike Dogon contexts.
  • 1300

    Mali's economy

    Mali's economy
    The Mali Empire flourished because of trade above all else.The empire taxed every ounce of gold or salt that entered its borders. By the beginning of the 14th century, Mali was the source of almost half the Old World’s gold. The Sahelian and Saharan towns of the Mali Empire were organized as both staging posts in the long-distance caravan trade and trading centers for the various West African products. slavery was a substantial part of the commercial activity of the empire.
  • 1300

    Mali's Military

    Mali's Military
    The frequency of conquests in the late 13th century and throughout the 14th century indicate the Kolonkan mansas inherited a capable military. The Mali Empire maintained a semi-professional, full-time army in order to defend its borders. The entire nation was mobilized. Contemporary historians present during the height and decline of the Mali Empire consistently record its army at 100,000 with 10,000 of that number being made up of cavalry.
  • 1425

    Processional Cross

    Processional Cross
    Christianity has a long history in Ethiopia, with monastic influences and the introduction of the cross as a symbolic artifact. The cross, used in ceremonies and festivals, is intricate and beautiful, often featuring engravings of archangels.
  • Period: 1464 to

    Songhai is the last empire

  • 1500

    Manilla

    Manilla
    Manillas, open bracelets cast from copper or brass, were popular in West Africa from the 15th to 20th century. They were traded as currency and had three types: smaller, queen, and king. Value was determined by sound quality.
  • 1520

    Songhai's Economy

    Songhai's Economy
    The Songhai Empire, a strong trading kingdom, was based on a clan system with a strong trade system, gold fields, and a strong trade system, with artisans and mechanics forming guilds.
  • 1530

    Songhai's Economy

    Songhai's Economy
    Upper classes converted to Islam, while lower classes followed traditional religions. Timbuktu was the educational capital. Sonni Ali established a government system, expanded by Askia Muhammad, imposing taxes on peripheral chiefdoms and provinces for Songhai's dominance.
  • 1550

    Mali's downfall

    Mali's downfall
    After the defeat of the mansa, Manden gained respect from Morocco, possibly avoiding Songhai's fate. After Mahmud IV's death, Manden split into three spheres of influence ruled by different sons, leading to the end of the Mali Empire. Kangaba, Siguiri, and Hamana became the capitals of each sphere, each ruler using the title of mansa. Despite internal strife, the Mandinka remained control until the mid-17th century, warring with each other more than outsiders but uniting against common threats.

  • Songhai's downfall

    Songhai's downfall
    Daoud, a succession war weakened the Saadi Dynasty of Morocco, leading to the invasion of Morocco. Judar Pasha, a Spaniard, captured Taghaza and Gao, defeating Songhai forces in the 1591 Battle of Tondibi. The Saadi Dynasty relinquished control, allowing the region to splinter into smaller kingdoms, with the Songhai people establishing the Dendi Kingdom.