West africa

By Brandon.W
  • 300

    Start of Ghana

    Start of Ghana
    Soninke begin to come together to protect themselves. This act of joining forces is the begining of Ghana.
  • Jan 1, 800

    Ghana grows

    Ghana grows
    Ghana grows in strength and is starting to become very rich. Ghana is very powerful and is at it's peak. Ghana now controls almost all of West Africa's trade routes.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1000 to Jan 1, 1200

    Ghana falls

    Ghana soon collapses and the empire ends. Three factors led to Ghana's decline. Ghana was invaded by the Almoravids and they weakened Ghana. Also Ghana had a bit too many animals so that caused overgrazing which had a part in Ghana's decline. The last factor that caused Ghana's decline is a rebellion, the rebellion caused Ghana to fall from the inside.
  • Jan 22, 1100

    Mali

    Mali
    Like, Ghana, Mali is along the Niger River. This location was a good area because it has fertile soil and it allowed people to trade and this allowed Mali to prosper. According to legend, Sundiata is the one who made Mali rise to power.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1230 to Jan 1, 1255

    Sundiata takes control of Mali

    When Sundiata was born, Mali was under rule by a harsh ruler. When Sundiata became an adult, he gathered an army and took control of Mali. When he took over Mali, he also went for other neighboring countries. After he took control of Ghana, he took over of the salt and gold trades. Sundiata worked to make agriculture in Mali. He also introduced cotton to Mali.
  • Jan 1, 1300

    Songhai rises

    Songhai rises
    During the time when Mansa Musa rose to power, Songhai was secretly gaining power. Songhai also had a part in the trades that made Mali so rich. During Mansa Musa's rein, he took control of Songhai but they rebelled for freedom soon after. Songhai's capital is Gao and they were mostly ruled by Muslims.
  • Jan 1, 1312

    Mansa Musa takes control of Mali

    Mansa Musa takes control of Mali
    Mansa Musa was the most famous ruler of Mali. He was a Muslim who promotes education. He led Mali into it's greatest point of power, wealth, and of course fame. Mansa Musa was under reign for about 25 years. Mansa Musa made additional trade routes to Mali which added wealth to him as well as schools. During his journey to Mecca, he gave a lot and i mean a LOT of gold to the rich and the poor. He gave out so much gold that it actually caused a depression.
  • Jan 1, 1464

    Sunni Ali takes control over Songhai

    Sunni Ali takes control over Songhai
    Sunni Ali became ruler and put Songhai back into place and unified it to be stronger. Sunni Ali encouraged teamwork and collaboration as he needs the people of Songhai to do that in order for him to re-organize Songhai. Sunni Ali worked to unify, enlarge, and strengthen Songhai the best he could.
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Askia the great controls Songai

    Askia the great controls Songai
    After Sunni Ali dies in 1492, his son Sunni Baru took over. Though it was not long, the people were frightened that because Sunni Baru wasn't Muslin, he would lose trade routes to Muslim lands. The leader of the rebellion was Mohammed Ture, after the rebellion he chose to name himself Askia. Askia promoted education and learning among his people. Askia created many universities that drew many from other countries. Asika ruled for about 35 years. The Moroccan army took over Songhai 1591.