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300 BCE
Beginning of Ghana
Nomadic herders wanted to move into the are along the Niger River. That's when the Soninke came together to prevent them from taking over. -
Jan 1, 800
Ghana Builds an Empire
Due to Ghana's successful method of trade called silent barter, Ghana became very wealthy as trade increased. It was in control of West Africa's trade routes. -
Jan 1, 1200
Ghana Falls Apart
Due to an invasion, overgrazing, and internal rebellion, the Empire of Ghana came to an end. Almoravids invaded in the 1060s and defeated Ghana. They cut off many trade routes, which made it hard to support Ghana. They brought cattle who overgraze the grass. Also, there was an internal rebellion. -
Jan 1, 1230
Sundiata makes Mali an Empire
When Sundiata was a child, Mali had been conquered by a harsh ruler. When Sundiata became an adult, he got his country's freedom back by building an army. -
Jan 1, 1255
Sundiata Dies
After making conquering many lands and making his empire wealthy, Sundiata dies. -
Jan 1, 1431
Mali's Decline
Mansa Musa is the wealthiest man in history. He is known as the greatest empire of Mali. He stressed the importance of religion and education. He made Mali very wealthy. When he died, his power went to his son, who couldn't invaders from taking over and that was the end of Mali. -
Jan 1, 1450
Songhai Gets Back Their Freedom
Songhai was a part of the Mali empire until it weakened and the people of Songhai got their freedom back. -
Jan 1, 1461
Songhai's Ruler
Songhai started to trade with the Berbers, which led to Songhai to get richer. As they got wealthier, Sunni Ali built an empire by conquering lands. -
Songhai Falls to Morocco
Songhai had very good salt mines that Morocco wanted to control. They attacked Songhai using advanced weapons and destroyed their trade routes. After a while, the empire of Songhai came to an end.
