The History of Timbuktu

  • 400

    Ghanna was founded

    in 400 CE the kingdom of Ghana, the first major trans-Saharan state in West Africa was founded
  • Jan 9, 1000

    Timbuktu was founded

    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
  • Jan 9, 1200

    population increase

    From 1200-1400, Timbuktu reached a population of about 100,000 people.
  • Jan 9, 1200

    Timbuktu is Important in the 13th century

    In the 13th century, Timbuktu becomes an important trade center. Timbuktu has communications extending from the west coast to the mediterranean sea.
  • Jan 9, 1250

    Sandiata becomes the King

    In 1250, Sandiata became the king of Kangaba and fouded early Mali. He begins conquring land to build an empire.
  • Jan 9, 1312

    A new King

    In 1312, Mansa Moussa becomes the king of Mali and adopts the teachings of Islam.
  • Jan 9, 1324

    Mansa's trip to mecca

    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.
  • Jan 9, 1327

    Mosques

    Mansa Moussa created many mosques in the Mali empire. One of the most famous is the Djinguereber Mosque.
  • Jan 9, 1337

    Mansa Moussa Died

    In 1337, Mansa Moussa died after expanding Mali far across both western and central regions of west Africa
  • Jan 9, 1375

    Songhay Power rises

    In 1375, The Songhay gained more power at the expense of Mali.
  • Jan 9, 1380

    Zaire Was Founded

    The Kongo Kingdom in Zaire was founded.
  • Jan 9, 1400

    Tauregs gain control

    The Tauregs gain control of Timbuktu from the declining Mali empire. Mali vs. Songhay wars began.
  • Jan 9, 1468

    Songhay gains control of Timbuktu

    In 1468, Songhay conqured Tauregs and gained control of Timbuktu.
  • Islam Diffusion

    800 CE marks the meginning of the diffusion of islam into West Africa from Morocco and central Maghreb
  • Islam was accepted

    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.