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Explore the rise of Islamic empires and influential figures like Mansa Musa, the Gold-Salt Trade, and cultural exchanges in ancient Africa. Discover the complexities of African states and the impact of external interactions on their development.
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Trading States and Kingdoms Chapter 4, Section 1
The Spread of Islam in Africa • In the 600s CE, invaders from Arabia brought Islam to North Africa. • Gradually Islam spread south and east. • Although hundreds of African religions already existed throughout the continent, Muslim empires developed along the Mediterranean Sea.
Empires and States of Africa • Beginning in the 700s, new empires and states developed in Africa. • West African empires developed south of the Sahara. • These empires became wealthy through trade within and outside of Africa. • In East Africa, Islamic and indigenous African cultures mixed to form a new culture known as Swahili. • Swahili city-states developed along the coast.
Empires and States of Africa • The three main West African empires were: • Ghana (700-1076 CE) • Mali (1240-1500 CE) • Songhai (1335-1591 CE) • All empires were able to grow and thrive due to the gold-salt trade.
The Gold-Salt Trade • Trade strengthened African states and empires as it linked the economies of Africa, Asia, and Europe. • Caravan routes through the Sahara linked North and West Africa to Europe and the Middle East. • Many African states grew wealthy through Saharan trade.
The Gold-Salt Trade • Salt and gold dominated trade within Africa. • Gold and ivory were valuable for trade with other parts of the world. • This gold-salt trade would eventually be eclipsed by the trade in slave labor.
Mansa Musa • One of the most significant rulers of this time period is Mansa Musa. • Mansa Musa was an outstanding ruler of Mali. • He used his armies to capture salt mines. • Peace and prosperity reigned throughout his empire. • Timbuktu became a major trading center in his kingdom.
Mansa Musa • Mansa Musa converted to Islam (partially to strengthen the trading ties with the North African Muslim empires.) • Under Mansa Musa, the influence of Islam increased. • The emperor based his system of justice on the Koran. • Mansa Musa also took the hajj to Mecca, which earned him international renown.
Mansa Musa • Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca led to increased contact between Africans and the outside world. • His great wealth was on display when he stopped in Egypt. • His lavish spending led to the rampant inflation of the Egyptian currency which took many years to correct. • He sent ambassadors abroad and invited Muslim scholars to his land.
Mansa Musa • Mansa Musa’s empire declined rapidly after his death. • His heirs were not as skillful at leading as Mansa Musa. • Parts of the Mali Empire broke away and became the Songhai Empire.
Big Ideas • Many of our misconceptions about Africa stem from the European perspectives about Africans. • Inherent in these ideas are strong elements of racism and ethnocentrism. • Prior to European arrival, Africa had powerful and well-developed empires. • The gold-salt trade, interactions with the Arabic world, and the travels of Mansa Musa are all evidence of an advanced and prosperous people. • These strong states, however, will be torn apart by interactions with Europeans and the creation of the transatlantic slave trade.
