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in 400 CE the kingdom of Ghana, the first major trans-Saharan state in West Africa was founded
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In the 11th century, Timbuktu was founded by Taureg nomads. Became the meeting place of the people who travel on the Niger river ans the people who travel by the Sahara desert
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From 1200-1400, Timbuktu reached a population of about 100,000 people.
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In the 13th century, Timbuktu becomes an important trade center. Timbuktu has communications extending from the west coast to the mediterranean sea.
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In 1250, Sandiata became the king of Kangaba and fouded early Mali. He begins conquring land to build an empire.
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In 1312, Mansa Moussa becomes the king of Mali and adopts the teachings of Islam.
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In 1324, Mnsa Moussa takes him trip to Mecca as part of the Islamic law. He brought along 60 thousand men and 15 thousand slaves.
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Mansa Moussa created many mosques in the Mali empire. One of the most famous is the Djinguereber Mosque.
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In 1337, Mansa Moussa died after expanding Mali far across both western and central regions of west Africa
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In 1375, The Songhay gained more power at the expense of Mali.
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The Kongo Kingdom in Zaire was founded.
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The Tauregs gain control of Timbuktu from the declining Mali empire. Mali vs. Songhay wars began.
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In 1468, Songhay conqured Tauregs and gained control of Timbuktu.
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800 CE marks the meginning of the diffusion of islam into West Africa from Morocco and central Maghreb
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in the 10th century, Ghana stretched from the atlantic Ocean to where Timbuktu is. Islam was also accepted as a state religion in important towns of the empire.