The African Trading States: The African Trading States: West AfricaWest Africa

Bell Ringer: What was the Great Zimbabwe and why was it so significant

to the Shona?

West AfricaWest Africa• There were several societies in West Africa mostly

between Lake Chad and the Atlantic.• Wealth and strength came from Trade Route

control across the Sahara.• Gold and Salt were high trade items. Gold mined

south of Sahel, traded for salt mined in the desert. • Gold was for further trade, salt for preservation.• By 1500 trade grew to include slaves, textiles,

copper, jewels.• Ruled by Monarchies.

GhanaGhana• Earliest Kingdom of West Africa.• Established by the Soninke people after 300.• Began as an old trading village of Kumbi. Profited

from gold and salt.• Used iron tools to farm and clear land for farming

and grazing. Responsible for Agriculture along the Niger River.

• Built large armies at peak of the kingdom 1050.• In 1235 the Malinke people overthrew Ghana to

form Mali.

MaliMali• Followed the fall of Ghana, in the same area, along

the upper Niger River.• Led by ruler: Mansa Musa, who supported

education, arts, and public building. Under his rule Timbuktu became the center of learning.

• Made pilgrimage to Mecca.• Disputes about successor after Musa, led to

weakening. Kept control until 1400’s. In 1468 rebel leader Sonni ‘Ali captured Timbuktu and built Songhai Kingdom.

SonghaiSonghai• Centered around Gao, on the Niger River.

Stretched from the Atlantic to Lake Chad.• Lead by Sonni ‘Ali, and successor

Mohammed I Askia.• Askia lead them to strong commercial center,

with goods from Europe, India, China, and a mix of merchants.

• Timbuktu was the center.• After Askia there was a decline: Groups

fought, leading to weakness.

HomeworkHomework

• Chapter 8, Section 3 Review.– 1, 3 (For #1 do all terms minus Swahili, Shona)– Due tomorrow at the start of class.– Binders checked tomorrow for your weekly

points.