West and Central African Kingdoms Overview

Geography

Diverse climates hindered movement across Africa.

Trade Expansion

Surpluses from farming increased trade activities.

Sahara Trade Routes

Gold and salt traded across desert pathways.

Sahel Region

Dry grasslands crucial for trade and settlements.

Camel Caravan

Transported goods across North African trade routes.

Ancient Ghana

First major kingdom between Senegal and Niger rivers.

Kumbi Saleh

Capital of Ghana, controlled trade routes.

Gold Abundance

Gold found easily in Ghana's sands.

Soninke Empire

Dominated gold-salt routes from 300-1200s.

Islam in Ghana

Conversion due to trade with Muslim merchants.

Oral Traditions

Histories passed down through storytelling, no writing.

Griots

Professional storytellers preserving African histories.

Sundiata Epic

Tale of Mandinka chief Sundiata's rise.

Mali Empire

Controlled gold-salt trade, founded by Sundiata.

Mansa Musa

Famous king who went on Hajj to Mecca.

Timbuktu

Cultural center for learning and trade.

Taghaza Mines

Source of salt traded in Mali.

Songhai Empire

Strengthened ties with the Muslim world.

Yoruba Kingdoms

Strong kingdoms known for terracotta sculptures.

Hausa City-States

Independent states known for trade and weaving.

Benin Kingdom

Traded with Portugal, known for bronze artwork.

Kongo Kingdom

Dominated Central African trade, allied with Portuguese.

Afonso I

Kongo king who allied with Portugal in 15th century.