Trade Empires of the Western Sudan

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Trade Empires of the Western Sudan

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Trade Empires of the Western Sudan

• Kingdoms of west Africa flourished as a result of
  trade across North Africa, bringing goods to
  Europe and Asia markets.
• The camel opened up new, regular trade routes.
• Products such as gold, ivory, ostrich feathers
  and animal skins were in great demand.
• Arab merchants became more involved in these new
  trade routes and they provided written records.

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Ghana

• the land of gold
• The Capital city of Kumbi-Saleh had two sections,
  one of them Muslim.
• It achieved status and authority due its trade in
  gold and other metals.
• The state ended when its gold sources dried up
  and trade stopped.
• In 1051 it was invaded by the Almoravids, a moor
  tribe of North Africa.

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Mali

• Mali was an empire that took over most of West
  Africa.
• Involved in the trans-Saharan gold trade.
• The great leader Sundjata united the empire.
• Malis most famous king was Mansa Musa, who
  converted to Islam and took advantage of the
  trade opportunities that came with it. He is also
  known for his pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim
  holy city.

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Songhai

• Timbuktu was captured by the Songhai, a Mali
  trading center. Their leader, Sonni Ali, founded
  the Songhai Empire by building a fierce army of
  horsemen.
• The next leader, Askia Muhammad, brought devout
  adherence to the Muslim faith, which revived
  trans-Saharan trade.
• Timbuktu became a center of Muslim learning and
  scholars from everywhere came to study.

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Ibn Battuta

• One of the greatest world travelers of premodern
  times.
• He went from North Africa to West Africa to East
  Africa, and visited China and Europe.
• His accounts of his travels are a great
  historical source.

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Kongo

• Kingdom on the lower Zaire river.
• Successful farmers developed specialized skills
  in iron production and began a trade that
  included salt and copper.
• Shrines to the spirits of the land were located
  along the river, guarded by the Mani Kabunga.
• By 1400, villages were united in a kingdom headed
  by the manikongo or king.

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Benin

• Began as an important city but became an empire
  as its influence spread.
• King, called oba, was said to be divine and
  represented the physical and spiritual life of
  the people.
• Society was organized around the central palace
  and many historical events are depicted in their
  art.
• City had high walls and wide streets.
• Empire reached its height under King Ewuare.

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