African Kingdoms Timeline

  • 1000 BCE

    Iron technology spreads to the rest of Africa

    Iron technology spreads to the rest of Africa
  • 500 BCE

    Evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria and central Niger.

    Evidence of iron smelting in Nigeria and central Niger.
  • Period: 300 to 1200

    Ghana Empire

    It was located in what is now southeastern Mauritania, and Western Mali. The empire’s capital is believed to have been at Koumbi Saleh on the rim of the Sahara desert. A tradition in historiography maintains that Ghana fell when it was sacked by the Almoravid movement in 1076, but this interpretation has been questioned. It is clear, however, that Ghana was incorporated into the Empire of Mali.
  • 800

    The religion of Islam begins to spread through Africa

  • 830

    Ghana's Ruling Dynasty Began

    Ghana's Ruling Dynasty Began
    When Ghana’s ruling dynasty began is uncertain, it is first mentioned in documentary sources around 830 CE. 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.
  • 1155

    Gold Coin

    Gold Coin
    Its thin, circular with double square engraved on it and Arabic script with a pearled border
  • Period: 1200 to 1500

    The Mali Empire

    The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa I. The Mali Empire had many cultural influences on West Africa, allowing the spread of its language, laws and customs along the Niger River. It had three huge gold mines wthin its borders. It had a full-time army in order to defend its borders.
  • 1230

    Decline of the Ghana Empire

    Decline of the Ghana Empire
    It is difficult to determine when and how Ghana declined and fell. It is clear, however, that Ghana was incorporated into the Empire of Mali, according to a detailed account of al-‘Umari, written around 1340. Ghana still retained its functions as a sort of kingdom within the empire, its ruler being the only one allowed to bear the title malik
  • 1400

    Mali Empire Reaches its Peak

    Mali Empire Reaches its Peak
  • 1450

    Processional Cross

    Processional Cross
    Christianity has a long history in Ethiopia, its spread among the peoples of the highlands.
    The cross is perhaps the most pervasive symbolic artifact. The most beautiful and intricate are the processional crosses used in ceremonies and festivals throughout the liturgical calendar. They are mounted on long poles and sheltered by canopies and parasols of silk and velvet.
    This cross was cast in one piece from a copper alloy. The cross carries engravings of the four archangels on its arms.
  • Period: 1464 to

    Songhai Empire

    It started under the control of the Mali Empire. Songhai was one of the largest Islamic empires in history. The Songhai economy was based on a clan system, the most common were metalworkers, fishermen, and carpenters. Upper classes in society converted to Islam while lower classes often continued to follow traditional religions.
  • Decline of the Songhai Empire

    Decline of the Songhai Empire
    Following the death of the Emperor Askia Daoud, a civil war of succession weakened the Empire. When the Emperor met Judar at the 1591 Battle of Tondibi, Songhai forces, despite vastly superior numbers, were routed by a cattle stampede triggered by the Saadi’s gunpowder weapons. Governing so vast an empire proved too much for the Saadi Dynasty however, and they soon relinquished control of the region, letting it splinter into dozens of smaller kingdoms.
  • The Collapse of the Mali Empire

    The Collapse of the Mali Empire
    Around 1610, Mahmud IV died. He had three sons who fought over Manden’s remains. No single person ever ruled Manden after Mahmud IV’s death, resulting in the end of the Mali Empire.