Early African Trading Kingdoms

1
Early African Trading Kingdoms

• West Africa

2
Ghana An Early Empire 300 A.D. to 1076

• The empire gained its fame for its rich supply of
  gold.
• Gold and slaves were traded with the Arabs
  (Sahara Desert) for salt, horses, cloth, silk,
  swords, iron, copper, and books.
• The early people of Ghana were called Soninke.
• Ghana means warrior king.

3
Ghana An Early Empire

• Custom was for the sisters son to succeeded the
  king.
• There was a lower court and court of appeals.
• The king had the final say.
• The kings were known as the richest kings in the
  ancient world.
• Some called the ruler of this empire lord of the
  Gold

4
Ghana Trade and Development

• The capital and center of trade was Koumbi Saleh.
• Two distinct towns Muslim town with a dozen
  mosques and a royal compound.
• The wealthy lived inside the forested compound.
• A group called Moslems enjoyed religious freedom.

5
Ghana Trade and Development

• In 1057, the Almoravid (desert tribesmen) group
  under its new leader, Abu Bakr, began the attack
  and invasion of the Ghanaian Empire.
• The Ghanaians were made to pay taxes and tribute.
• Those who refused to do this were murdered.

6
(No Transcript)
7
Mali A Later Empire

• This empire began in the 7th century and was
  located on the left bank of the Upper Niger
  River.
• The capital was Kangaba.
• Mali was a Mandingo state were the Moslem
  religion was accepted.
• The people of Mali had a rival by the name Sosso
  who were tribesmen.

8
Mali A Later Empire

• The Mali defeated the Sosso under the Sundiata
  Keita (their leader).
• After the win, Mali became the most powerful
  country in West Africa, and it controlled the
  gold Fields.
• Mansa Musa took control of the empire after
  Sundiatas death.
• Musa took a trip to Mecca and increased the
  empires wealth and land.

9
Mali A Later Empire

• Musa expanded trade and commerce and created a
  hospitable environment for scholars, judges,
  doctors, and religious leaders.
• At this time, Mali covered about the size of
  Western Europe.
• Mansa Musa reign for 25 years. After his death,
  his son took the throne.

10
(No Transcript)