Trading Kingdoms of West Africa PDF

Trading Kingdoms of West Africa Section 3 West Africa’s Rich Resources Fertile soils and abundant minerals, especially gold and iron Trade routes connected Africa with the Middle East and Asia for centuries Regions with different resources developed trade  The Rise of West Africa...

Trading Kingdoms of West Africa Section 3 West Africa’s Rich Resources Fertile soils and abundant minerals, especially gold and iron Trade routes connected Africa with the Middle East and Asia for centuries Regions with different resources developed trade  The Rise of West African Kingdoms Trade and resources led to the rise of powerful kingdoms Berbers controlled early trade routes across the Sahara Three great kingdoms gained control of trade: Ghana, Mali, Songhai  Ghana Empire Formed around AD 300 by the Soninke people Located between the Sahara and West Africa’s gold mines Key trade items: Salt from the Sahara and gold from Ghana Ghana’s rulers taxed traders, gaining wealth and power Islam introduced through trade with Arab merchants  The Fall of Ghana Almoravids attacked in the 1060s to spread Islam Disruption of trade led to Ghana’s decline Ghana’s influence faded, but Islam remained a powerful force  Mali Empire Located on the Niger River, with fertile soil and control of trade Founded by Sundiata, expanded to include Ghana Mansa Musa, Mali’s most famous ruler, led during the empire’s peak (1312-1337) Mali’s cities, like Timbuktu, became centers of trade, education, and religion  Mansa Musa Often considered one of the richest people in history. On his pilgrimage to Mecca, Mansa Musa traveled with thousands of people and camels loaded with gold. He gave away so much gold that it caused inflation in the regions he passed through. Mansa Musa valued learning. He brought scholars and architects back to Mali, which led to the growth of schools and universities in cities like Timbuktu. He commissioned the construction of beautiful mosques and other buildings, shaping the region’s architecture for years to come. After his death, his influence on West African trade, education, and religion was lasting.  Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage Mansa Musa undertook a hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca in 1324 His journey showcased Mali’s wealth and introduced West Africa to the world Spread of Islam through West Africa, promoting education and scholarship  Decline of Mali Mansa Musa’s successors failed to maintain Mali’s strength By the late 1400s, Mali had lost most of its territory Islam and trade continued to influence the region  Songhai Empire Songhai rose as Mali declined in the 1400s Askia the Great expanded Songhai, making it a center of learning and trade Divided the empire into provinces with efficient governance Built universities, schools, and mosques in cities like Timbuktu and Gao  The Fall of Songhai Songhai fell to Moroccan invaders in the late 1500s Moroccans sought control of the Saharan salt mines Changing trade patterns and internal strife weakened the empire  The Slave Trade Slavery existed in West Africa for centuries Arab and European traders increased the demand for slaves The trans-Saharan slave trade enriched Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Slave trade became a key part of the West African economy