Bentley Ch. 6

III. Islamic Kingdoms and Empires

A. Trans-Saharan Trade

Camels came to north Africa from Arabia that proved to be useful beasts of burden in arid regions.

Ghana - the kingdom of Ghana was the principal states when Muslims arrived. They controlled the trade in gold that was mined and smelted nearby. Koumbi-Saleh was where the capital was. Islam conversion brought support and recognition from Muslim states. Ghana society continued traditional religions.

The Mali Empire followed as Sundiata came back from exile. The rulers converted to Islam and provided protection, lodging, and comforts for Muslim merchants.

B. Indian Ocean Trade

Mali - Mali controlled and taxed almost all trade passing through West Africa. Caravans went along routes to Timbuktu, Gao, and Jenne, which became prosperous.

Mansa Musa- Mansa Musa ruled Mali and made a pilgrimmage to Mecca with thousands of soldiers, attendants, subjects, slaves, and camels carrying gold. Gold’s value declined by 25% on local markets due to his distribution. He built mosques and sent students to study in north Africa.

Bantu speaking people introduced agriculture, cattle herding, and iron metallurg to the region as well as small local states to govern. Once settling on the coast, they ocean fished and maritime traded to form the Swahili society. They dominated the coast, spoke Swahili (a Bantu language with Arabic language) and adopted Islam. Elites wore silk and fine cotton and set their tables with porcelain from China. Stone mosques and public buildings dominated cities.

Kilwa- one of the busiest city-states on the east African coast that slowly gained prosperity. A Morroccan traveler, Ibn Battuta, reported that Arab and Persian Muslim scholars lived at Kilwa and consulted with the local ruler. By the late 15th century, they exported one ton of gold per year.

Zimbabwe- the best known kingdom and originally had zimbabwe (dwellings) out of wood, but this eventually changed to stone. The Great Zimbabwe complex was a capital and 18,000 people lived in the vicinity. They formed alliances and profitted off of commercial transactions by controlling the flow of gold, ivory, slaves, and regional products.