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Period: 100 to 200
Camels introduced from trade in the Sahara
Camels were introduced to the Sahara from Asia and helped to improve trade in the area. Because Camels didn't do well in the forests, trade often occurred in the grassland at the edge of the Sahara. -
300
Origins of the kingdom of Ghana
Ghana grew in power by taxing gold and salt inside of its borders. It's origins are significant because Ghana would grow to be a powerful empire. -
Period: 600 to 700
Islam spreads across North Africa
Rather than being forced into Islam by means of armies or conquests(although it still happened at times), it was shown to Africa through merchants and travelers who happened to be a part of the Islamic faith. Islam was accepted eagerly by many African kingdoms. -
1000
Ghana at the height of its power
At the height of its power, Ghana was able to have a great army when needed and had converted to Islam as well, showing that Muslims were able to continue their quest to share their religion. -
1100
Almoravid movement in the Sahara
The Almoravids forcefully came into Ghana from the north and their movement left the empire in a weaker state. Even though the kingdom didn't fall from this attack, states in the region began to rise and take Ghana's place in power. -
1200
Rise of the empire of Mali
Mali rose as the Ghana kingdom was declining. This empire was very supportive of Islam and was an example for all Islamicized Sudanic kingdoms. They also focused on agriculture and reinstated kingship. -
1260
Death of Sundiata; earliest stone buildings at Zimbabwe; Lalibela rules in Ethiopia; Yoruba culture flourishes at lle-lfe
Sundiata was responsible for the creation of what would become the Mali Empire, and was also known as the "Lion Prince". He became the emperor and was proposed through oral traditions. His successors helped to expand the empire. -
1300
Mali at its height; Kanem empire is a rival
Mali was at its height when Mantamusa was their leader. By the mid 14th century, this Empire was a confederation of three states (Mali, Memo, Wagadou) The empire of Kanem was its rival, and that empire was the longest-lasting empire in Africa. -
1324
Pilgrimage of Mansa Musa
The pilgrimage of Mansa Musa was very important. First off, it brought attention to Mali from the Mulsim world. Secondly, He brought an architect and poet from Muslim-Spain who would come to create several important mosques and other architecture made from clay. -
1400
Flourishing of cities of Timbaktu and Jenne; Ethiopian Christian kingdom; Swahili cities flourish on east African coast
Timbaktu became an important port city of Mali off of the Niger River. This city was big with trade (along with Jenne) and had a population of 50,000, along with a university and library. -
1417
Last Chinese trade voyages to east Africa
Some Chinese sent goods straight to African ports on the east coast, and from there they loaded rare woods, ivory, and gold. However, this stopped in 1431 and Africa only received goods from China through Indian and Arab traders. -
1431
Last Chinese trade voyages to east Africa
Some Chinese sent goods straight to African ports on the east coast, and from there they loaded rare woods, ivory, and gold. However, this stopped in 1431 and Africa only received goods from China through Indian and Arab traders. -
1500
Songhay empire flourished; Benin at height of power
The Songhay empire began to flourish under the rule of Sunni Ali, who was ruthless and a good tactical commander when it came to conflict.
Benin was a city-state but it was very powerful. it had a large population and was located near the Niger River, to the coast near what is now Lagos.