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Jan 1, 1000
Iron and Farming Age (Ghana)
Ghana citizens learned to create iron weapons and tools. Since they were very durable, it allowed them to muster a good army. Also, advancements in agriculture, such as herding cattle, allowed Ghana to have a greater population. These advancements slowly allowed their empire to gain more power. -
Jan 1, 1050
Trade(Ghana)
Ghana's location was a very good area because the two most precious resources in Africa went through Ghana- salt and gold. They used a technique called silent barter to trade gold and salt. In 1050, Ghana's strength allowed them to take over and control the West African trade routes. They taxed the people that entered the kingdom in order to gain some profit. As the trade increased in that area, so did Ghana's empire. -
Period: Jan 1, 1060 to Jan 1, 1230
The fall and internal rebellion(Ghana)
In the 1060's, a North African group called the Almoravids invaded the empire. With them in power, Ghana was severely weakened. They cut off the trade routes and forced them to sever their friendships with other empires. Also, they brought many herds of animals, causing overgrazing. The agriculture in Ghana was poor because they had non-fertile soil. In the 1200's, an internal rebellion took over the nation, but was very weak, In the end, a neighbor destroyed them and the empire fell apart. -
Jan 1, 1230
Sundiata(Mali)
In Sundiata's childhood, a strict ruler had concurred where he lived, Mali. When he became an adult, he gradually built an army and took Mali and a few other empires, including Ghana. He improved agriculture by introducing cotton and increased Mali power and wealth. In order to keep his land safe, he took power away from the local leaders. His death occurred in 1255. -
Jan 1, 1255
Mansa Musa(Mali)
Because of Mansa Musa, Mali became a very rich and powerful empire. His influence made Islam a very popular religion in Africa. In 1324, he went on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Also during his 25 years in power, he added many important trade cities, such as Timbuktu. He also firmly believed in education. His universities were very well known. -
Jan 1, 1400
A new Empire(Songhai)
In the 1400's Songhai rebelled from the rule of Mali and succeeded. The Berbers traded with the Songhai, which made the new empire richer. They started to expand their lands and create a stronger empire. They were lead by Sunni Ali, a Muslim leader. He gained his leadership in 1464, and he unified his empire. He took over the land that has once been in control of Mali. His qualities brought a state of peace to Songhai. -
Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Jan 1, 1500
The fall of Mali
Mansa Musa's son, Maghan took the throne when his father died. He was a very weak ruler. Raiders came and burned the schools and mosques once built by Mansa Musa. Since Mali could now recover, they started to weaken even more. The Truareg nomads seized Timbuktu in 1431. In the 1500's, Mali lost many of their lands and only a sliver of it remained. -
Jan 1, 1500
Askia the Great(Songhai)
After Sunni Ali died in 1492, his son, Sunni Baru, became king. Since he was not a Muslim, Songhai residents were fearful of him. Therefore, Muhammad Ture lead a rebellion and overthrew him. Muhammad Ture chose his name to be Askia, a high ranking in the army. He was eventually called Askia the Great. He was very fond of education, and brought thousands of people to Timbuktu's schools and mosques. He had spread Islam through Africa, and split his empire into 5 area in order to keep control. -
The Moroccans(Songhai)
Morocco was starting to become jealous of Songhai's salt mines. So in 1591, they launched an attack on them. They used very advanced weaponry, such as the arquebus, a early type of gun. Swords and spears were no match to the Guns and cannons they had, so the Moroccans raided and destroyed Gao, the capital of Songhai. Because the Moroccans changed the trade routes, it slowly made the Songhai fall apart.
