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Period: Jan 1, 800 to
Kanem-Bornu Empire
The Kanem-Bornu Empire was a very large empire that was founded by Zaghawa nomadic people. Although there is no exact date, most believe the Empire was established in the 800s. In the empire’s prime it covered most of present-day Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad. One of the most important parts of the empire’s history was the introduction of islam. After the Zaghawa people were run out of the empire, the Saifwa dynasty was established. The saifwa rulers then made islam the official religion. -
Jan 1, 850
Oba's Golden Age
The Oba became filled an abundance of power in their region. The Oba of Benin (the ruler of the Edo people in the Great Benin Empire) had a “Golden Age” and is credited for turning the Benin City into a military fortress that was protected by moats and walls. It was from this fortress that he launched his military campaigns and began the expansion of his kingdom. The Oba’s ruler’s name was Oba Ewuare. The growth of the city started in 850 AD until its decline in the 1500s. -
Jan 1, 1100
Oduduwa's Story
On the death of Prince Ekaladerhan’s father, the last Ogiso (King), a group of Benin Chiefs led by Chief Oliha came to Ife (an ancient Yoruba City) begging King Oduduwa to return to Benin to take back the throne. Oduduwa replied saying that a King should not leave his place, but would have seven sons to chose to be King and return back to Benin. People agreed that the city Benin was name “The land of the annoyed” because Oranmiyan left the place in annoyance. -
Jan 1, 1100
The Capital of Burkina Faso
Invaders from Guana took over central and east Burkina Faso. Establishing the Mossi states of Ouagadougou, Yatenga, and Tengkodogo in the center and the state of Gourma in the east. The conquerors were far outnumbered by their subjects, but by using religion and an administrative system, they were able to last for more than 500 years. The Ouagadougou (Capital of Burkina Faso) was divided into several provinces which were subdivided into 300 districts. -
Jan 1, 1472
Portuguese explorers reach Nigerian coast
Although explorers have been to other parts of Africa, the discovery of Nigeria most likely led them to other countries in western and central Africa. Knowing that there are other countries in west Africa would be helpful to the Portuguese later in the slave trade. Also the Portuguese reaching the Nigerian coast gave the Nigerian tribes trade routes with the Portuguese. These trade routes would also be used to trade slaves with the Nigerian tribe leaders. -
Independence of Togo
Togo was first under german rule after some missionaries came to work with some tribes in 1847. After these german missionaries came to Togo, more and more germans started arriving until they eventually made a german colony in Togo. When WWI happened Togo was in between 2 British and French colonies. The British and the French were both at war with Germany so they took Togo and left it under French rule. Then in 1960, Togo got its independence from France
