African Kingdoms

Islamic influence in Africa

First went in N. Africa

Valuable to increase their authority

Connected thru trade and the Hajj

Kingdoms adopted Islam to increase trade/power

Kingdom of Ghana

400-1200 CE

First trade kingdom of West Africa

Traded Iron ore, gold, and salts

Kingdom of Mali

1250-1450 CE

Replaced Ghana

Timbuktu (capital)

House of Wisdom (leader adopted Islam)

Transaharan trade

GOLD AND SALT TRADED

Much wealth and power

Mansa Musa

1312-1337

Famous ruler

1st to pilgrimage to Mecca

Muslim ruler

Wealthiest man to ever live

Songhai/Songhay empire

1000-1600 CE

Gained control of former Mali empire in 1464

Know for military (Melee weapons)

Great Zimbabwe

1350-1450 CE

South/East Africa

Indian Ocean port

Trade hub of Indian Ocean

Merchants /elites adopted Islam and Arabian language

Kilwa

Great kingdom of Swahili on coast

Ibn Bathuta

Famous explorer