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500 BCE
Nigeria and Niger show smelting of iron
Iron -
Period: 300 to 1200
Ghana was the first of the three early African empires
It's capital was believed to be Koumbi Saleh and the most important area (where the king resided) was known as El-Ghaba. -
800
The religion of Islam begins to spread through Africa
Islam started quite weak but went on to be the one to conquer and invade Ghana and beat them -
Period: 970 to 1054
The Ghana kingdom is forced into the Awdaghast desert around this time
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1000
Iron everywhere
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1000
Headrest
Wood headrest with curved rectangular top with projecting tab at each end, incised circular motif and a rectangular support which stands on a flat rectangular base. -
1076
It is said that Ghana fell around this time to the Almoravid movement but people have begun doubting on this traditional thought
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1148
COIN!!
Gold coin in square cardstock envelope, thin, circular with double square (or lozenge according to the orientation established by the hole at either side) and Arabic script, pearled border. Almohad Dynasty, Fez mint. Depositor's notes written on envelope: Almohad/Abu-Muhammad 'Abd-/al Mu'min ibn 'Ali/AH 524-58 AD 1130-63/Gold 1/2 dinar 2.22 gm/No date (struck 1148-63)/Hazard 456 -
1200
Jar
Red colored bowl with lightly incised parallel lines around the rim. -
1200
Ingots
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1200
Ring
Cast copper alloy U form ring with ends that flare into balloon forms that meet in the middle, each with a flat triangular spike that is riveted together. Ring has an overall delicate incised linear pattern and heavy green, possibly archaeological patina. -
Period: 1200 to 1500
Mali came next
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1300
Processional Cross
Cast copper alloy cross with openwork design and engravings of four archangels on its arms. Their bodies form a maltese cross ending in a hollow shaft for mounting on a pole during religious processionals. -
Period: 1464 to
Songhai, the last of these three great empires
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Around now the Emperor of Sonhai died and Judar fought him in the battle of Tondhibi and won
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Around this time Mahmud IV (the king of Mali) died and his hree sons never inherited the kingdom
