African American History

B - Hour (Gober, Crockett)

Renaissance High School

Early African Empires

• Ghana

• Mali

• Songhay

Ghana

First West African State

Capitol: Kumbi Saleh

Location: 500 Miles NW of its modern namesake.

Dates: 7th - 11th Centuries

Religion: Muslim influence enters around 10th Century.

Daily Life: Farming and Trading

Tenkamenin

Most famous leader who became leader in 1062.

Characteristics of him: Strict tax collector, believed and taught animism until Arabs invaded around 1076

Decline of Empire: Droughts, Invasions

KEY WORDS: Silent Trade, Jihad

Mali

Also called Melle

Capitol: Timbuktu

Location: Surrounded southern edges of Ghana

Dates: 1235 - 15th Centuries

Religion: Islam

Occupations: Mined Gold in Bure, Agriculture and Crafts.

Mansa Musa

In 1240, he took over and spread the influence of Mali all over the area.

Characteristics of him: Took a pilgrimage to Mecca where all could see the wealth of “the Afrikans.” He built schools in the capitol and had international connections.

Decline of Empire: The Songhay and Mossi invade.

KEY WORDS: Griot Mansa, Hajj

Songhay

The greatest of empires.

Capitol: Timbuktu and Jenne?

Location: Eclipsed Mali and spread further North and Northeast.

Dates: 1355 - 1594

Religion: Islam

Occupations: Same as Mali, very good at trade!

Sunni Ali

Built a river navy to control the Niger region. He opposed the religion of Islam. Died in 1492. His general took over.

Askia Mohammed

Was an orthodox Muslim and strengthened the empire greatly by learning from other nations. He improved the administration of the gov’t, codified the laws and raised the intellectual level of the country.

Decline of Empire: Askia was dethroned by his eldest son. The Spanish and Moroccans overthrew Songhay.

KEY WORD: Harquebus

HOMEWORK

Finish Maps and define key words!