African Kingdoms and Empires

Three major kingdoms which became wealthy through trade. These regions relied on camels, gold, salt, and other products from Europe and the Middle East. Islam spread rapidly through these areas due to the movement of products and ideas.

• West African Trading Empires
• Sahara
• Ghana
• Mali

Major desert region across the northern part of Africa. Traders often traveled across this region; a very harsh climate.

• Songhai
• Sahara
• Ghana
• Mali

Earliest empire which lasted for nearly 800 years. This empire was known for its strong army and control of the gold mines. Iron and gold were two major products of the region.

• Songhai
• Berbers
• Ghana
• Mali

The empire following Ghana which grew strong during the 1200s and lasted for nearly 400 years. This empire gained control of Timbuktu and many gold mining regions. It was well known for its wealthy ruler, Mansa Musa and Islam became the religion of the region.

• Songhai
• Berbers
• Timbuktu
• Mali

In 1468 the empire took over Timbuktu. This was the largest empire in Africa at that time and lasted for about 100 years. This empire was divided into five provinces, all were strongly influenced by the ideas of Islam.*

• Songhai
• Berbers
• Timbuktu
• Goods Traded

One of the first known groups of people to settle in northern Africa. These nomadic people traveled the Sahara to trade.

• Silent Barter/Trade
• Berbers
• Timbuktu
• Goods Trade

Many products were traded throughout the various African Empires. Some of the most common included: salt, gold, wool, spices, iron, minerals, ivory, cloth (silk and wool). Other ideas spread: slaves and Islam

• Silent Barter/Trade
• Trans-Saharan Slave Trade
• Slaves
• Goods Traded

Trade was difficult in Africa because people were from many regions, speaking many different languages. A king created a system where gold was placed in certain spot (for example: by a river) and the foreign traders would leave the appropriate amount of goods/money. If the correct amount was not left, trade ended. 

• Silent Barter/Trade
• Trans-Saharan Slave Trade
• Slaves
• West African Trading Empires

This major event occurred throughout Africa beginning as early as the 600s. This was a time when native Africans were taken captive and used to help transport goods or become laborers or indentured servants to their owners. Owning slaves was often looked at as a sign of wealth and higher social class.v

• Sahara
• Trans-Saharan Slave Trade
• Slaves
• West African Trading Empires

People were taken in for various reasons: they were in debt, had committed a crime, were prisoners of war. These people were expected to farm, carry goods, or work in the harsh conditions of the salt mines. These people were often sold in markets along the Mediterranean. 

• Sahara
• Ghana
• Slaves
• West African Trading Empires