Ghana, Mali & Songhai Key Cities and Figures

Sijilmasa

Starting point

Idjil

Known for salt mines

In-Saleh

Crucial for dates

Gao

Has gold and is capital of Songhai

Tuat

Cluster of osias

Taghaza

Center for salt

Timbuktu

Center for knowledge and education

Awdaghust

Crucial pit stop to reboot

Koumbi Saleh

Capital of Ghana

Nani

Capital of Mali

Soninke

People who formed the kingdom of Ghana, skilled in iron crafting (weapons).

Tributary state

Conquered state that had to pay tribute in the form of money or goods in exchange for protection and independence.

Qadis

Islamic judges hired by the government to settle disputes.

Sundiata Keita

Established Mali Empire.

Mansa(king) Musa

The emperor of the Mali Empire. He went on a hajj to Mecca.

Dinga Cisse

United smaller kingdoms into the Ghana Empire. Used gold to trade for horses which gave Ghana a huge military advantage.

Sunni Ali

First king of Songhai.

Askia(king) Muhammad

Integrated Islamic law into the government.

Farbas

Governors appointed by the Mansa to manage Mali provinces.

Kurmina fari

Rulers that ruled Songhai provinces appointed by the Askia. Officials oversaw justice, finance, Islamic scholars and helped the emperor make and carry out decisions and laws.