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Period: 300 to 1200
Kingdom of Ghana
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500
Iron found
Evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria and central Niger. Spreads to rest of West Africa -
800
Islam begins to spread to Africa
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1000
Artifact - 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. -
1005
Ghana had forced Awdaghast in the desert to accepts
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 -
1100
Artifact - 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
Artifacts - Figure Inland Niger Delta Style
Ceramic figure seated cross-legged. Upper arms missing. -
1200
Artifact - Archer Figure
Standing male figure of an archer with a quiver slung diagonally across his right shoulder in back. The figure's lower right arm and hand are missing as is his right foot. -
1205
Artifact-Equestrian Figure
Equestrian figure with a quiver slung across the back diagonally from the right shoulder down. -
Period: 1230 to
Mali Empire
The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa I. -
1300
Artifacts - Processional Cross
Cast copper alloy cross with a central four-cross openwork design encircled by openwork triangular patterns. A hollow tubular shaft would have fit over the end of a pole to be carried aloft during religious processionals. -
1340
Ghan was incorporated into the Empire of Mali
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Mali Empire, destroyed
The Mandinka themselves that would cause the final destruction of the empire. Around 1610,Mahmud IV died -
Songhai Empire
The Songhai state has existed in one form or another for over a thousand years if one traces its rulers from the first settlement in Gao to its semi-vassal status under the Mali Empire through its continuation in Niger as the Dendi Kingdom. -
Discovery of Australopithecus near Taung, South Africa.
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Homo habilis skulls found in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania and Lake Turkana, Kenya
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Semi-complete skeleton of "Lucy" found in Omo Valley, Ethiopia
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Thirteen Australopithecus remains found in Hadar, Ethiopia. - Homo Erectus skull found Lake Turkana
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Australopithecus footprints found in Laetoli, Tanzania.
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Discovery of Australopithecus in Sterkfontein, South Africa
