ANCIENT AFRICAN HISTORYANCIENT AFRICAN HISTORY

"History is a clock that people use to tell their "History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is also a political and cultural time of day. It is also a

compass that people use to find themselves on compass that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. The role of history the map of human geography. The role of history

is to tell a people what they have been, and is to tell a people what they have been, and where they have been, what they are and where where they have been, what they are and where they are. The most important role that history they are. The most important role that history

plays is that it has the function of telling a plays is that it has the function of telling a people where they still must go and what they people where they still must go and what they

still must be." still must be."

Dr. John Henrik Clarke, African HistorianDr. John Henrik Clarke, African Historian

Great Golden Ages of West AfricaGreat Golden Ages of West Africa88th th - 18- 18thth Century Century

The golden ages of these African western empires emerged asThe golden ages of these African western empires emerged as Sahelian Sahelian KingdomsKingdoms of the savannaof the savanna. The Sahel (shore or coast) is a dry hot area with . The Sahel (shore or coast) is a dry hot area with fertile areas and grasslands. Several north west African kingdoms fertile areas and grasslands. Several north west African kingdoms developed from this area. The power and wealth of these empires stemmed developed from this area. The power and wealth of these empires stemmed from their control over the Trans – Sahara trade routes, which had a from their control over the Trans – Sahara trade routes, which had a profound influence on these civilizations. This trade gave birth to the rise profound influence on these civilizations. This trade gave birth to the rise of these great empires.of these great empires.

Three powerful Sudanese empire/states known as the Great Western Empires Three powerful Sudanese empire/states known as the Great Western Empires emerged as the political entities of emerged as the political entities of Ghana, Mali and SonghayGhana, Mali and Songhay. Their . Their economies revolved around:economies revolved around:

* agriculture * agriculture * manufacturing * manufacturing * international trade* international trade

Bennett says that trade and commerce flourished in these great cities and Bennett says that trade and commerce flourished in these great cities and intellectual life was brisk and refreshing.intellectual life was brisk and refreshing.

GHANAGHANA

• 11STST of three great western empires of three great western empires of the medieval Sudan of the medieval Sudan (700-1200ACE)(700-1200ACE)

• It begins with the It begins with the BerbersBerbers around around 300 ACE300 ACE • Founders called Founders called SONINKES SONINKES a group of tribes w/ a group of tribes w/

common ancestry who spoke the common ancestry who spoke the MANDE MANDE languagelanguage• Originally called Originally called WAGADUGUWAGADUGU (Ouagadou) (Ouagadou)• Ghana means Ghana means “ruler or king”“ruler or king” in Mandein Mande• Soninke’s fame asSoninke’s fame as “Warrior Kings” “Warrior Kings” spread over N Africa spread over N Africa• Known as richest monarchs whose source was Known as richest monarchs whose source was TRADETRADE• Other titles – Other titles – Kaya MaghaKaya Magha means means “King of Gold”“King of Gold”

Communal GovernmentCommunal Government

King assisted by the People’s Council King assisted by the People’s Council The ruler was considered:The ruler was considered:

1) Patriarch, father of the Soninke people1) Patriarch, father of the Soninke people2) Commander & Chief of Army 2) Commander & Chief of Army 3) Head of state religion3) Head of state religion4) Chief dispenser of justice4) Chief dispenser of justice5) Supreme overseer of the Nation5) Supreme overseer of the Nation

Tenkamenin (1065 ACE)Tenkamenin (1065 ACE) - - One of Ghana’s Greatest KingsOne of Ghana’s Greatest Kingswas known for his administrative justice & for never was known for his administrative justice & for never

denying an audience to his people to hear their denying an audience to his people to hear their complaints.complaints.

KINSHIPKINSHIP

Matrilineal society Matrilineal society (Mother Right)(Mother Right) Each tribe made from a number of clans Each tribe made from a number of clans

(Sisse, Drame, Sylla & Kante)(Sisse, Drame, Sylla & Kante)

Sisse Sisse = Ruling class-governors, political officers= Ruling class-governors, political officers

Kante Kante = Artisans – mental workings, blacksmiths, = Artisans – mental workings, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, silversmithsgoldsmiths, silversmiths

Soninkes PowerSoninkes Power

* * 2 sources:2 sources:

- Iron tools/weapons- Iron tools/weapons

- Inexhastible supply of gold- Inexhastible supply of gold

Ghana 1Ghana 1stst sahelian kingdom to annex other sahelian kingdom to annex other kingdoms who paid tribute to them. They kingdoms who paid tribute to them. They

evolved into a great empire. evolved into a great empire.

Ghana’s ProsperityGhana’s Prosperity Occurs during 10Occurs during 10thth& 11& 11thth century century 3 main reasons: 3 main reasons:

1)1) Had an Had an efficient armyefficient army to discourage invaders & keep to discourage invaders & keep internal peaceinternal peace

2)2) Rich in natural resources & landRich in natural resources & land that produced ample that produced ample crops (i.e. cotton, millet, sorghum)crops (i.e. cotton, millet, sorghum)

3)3) Chief source of wealth was Chief source of wealth was TRADETRADE which produced which produced power and wealth for all 3 empires from control over power and wealth for all 3 empires from control over the the Trans-Sahara TRADETrans-Sahara TRADE based on based on 2 main exports2 main exports – – Gold & SaltGold & Salt

4)4) Levied taxes Levied taxes as a source ofas a source of revenue revenue to the stateto the state

Agriculture & Trade a vital part of Agriculture & Trade a vital part of Ghana’s economy Ghana’s economy

It had a mixed economy that brought various It had a mixed economy that brought various commodities into the country & large varities of food commodities into the country & large varities of food products. products.

- Agriculture- Agriculture - Iron smelting- Iron smelting

- Stonemasonry- Stonemasonry - Carpentry- Carpentry

- Pottery- Pottery - Goldsmithing- Goldsmithing

- Clothing manufacturing- Clothing manufacturing

• Export Products: Gold, kola nuts, war captivesExport Products: Gold, kola nuts, war captives

• Import Products: Metal artifacts, cotton, utensils, salt, cloth, high grade Import Products: Metal artifacts, cotton, utensils, salt, cloth, high grade leather goods (famous Morocco leather from W. leather goods (famous Morocco leather from W.

Africa) Africa)

Efficient Government & Military Efficient Government & Military Organized & maintained peace & prosperity Organized & maintained peace & prosperity

throughout the landthroughout the land Imperial MightImperial Might based upon 3 things based upon 3 things

1)1) 200,000200,000 man army & man army & 40,00040,000 Bowmen Bowmen

2) Control of Trans-Sahara trade & revenue 2) Control of Trans-Sahara trade & revenue from it from it

3) Good political administration3) Good political administration

KUMBI KUMBI – – Capital cityCapital city & & major commercial centermajor commercial center where latest developments in where latest developments in science & culturescience & culture passed.passed.

Dumb Barter SystemDumb Barter System“Silent Trade”“Silent Trade”

This system was used to conduct trading of all This system was used to conduct trading of all persons at all points of the Trans-Sahara trade persons at all points of the Trans-Sahara trade routes. routes.

ReligionReligionGhana never converted to Islam as a state religion, yet Ghana never converted to Islam as a state religion, yet

allowed Muslims to settle in the cities and were also allowed Muslims to settle in the cities and were also encouraged to be special advisors & administrators to encouraged to be special advisors & administrators to the royal court. Most of the people followed the royal court. Most of the people followed traditional tribal religious practices.traditional tribal religious practices.

Decline of GhanaDecline of Ghana

3 reasons for it’s decline:3 reasons for it’s decline:

1) 1) Envy of neighborsEnvy of neighbors peripheral peripheral raidsraids

2) Almoravids (Berbers) declared 2) Almoravids (Berbers) declared JihadJihad on on Ghana 1075 ACE Ghana 1075 ACE

3) 3) Internal strifeInternal strife foreign invasion. foreign invasion. Looses commercial & military power Looses commercial & military power after 1100 ACE after 1100 ACE

Rise of MaliRise of Mali

MaliMali 22ndnd great sahelian kingdom(1200-1500 ACE) great sahelian kingdom(1200-1500 ACE)

by absorbing Ghana & expanding westwardby absorbing Ghana & expanding westward Mali means “Where the Emperor Resides”Mali means “Where the Emperor Resides” in in

Mande of the MandinkaMande of the Mandinka Started by the Keita Family which Started by the Keita Family which ruled nearly ruled nearly

13 centuries as one of the longest dynasties13 centuries as one of the longest dynasties in in world historyworld history

Raised from small Mandingo state of KangbaRaised from small Mandingo state of Kangba Came to fame under 2 leadersCame to fame under 2 leaders

Historic Malian LeadersHistoric Malian Leaders11stst - Sundiata Kieta - Sundiata Kieta

• Ruled 1230-1255 ACERuled 1230-1255 ACE• Expanded Mali westward to the Atlantic Ocean Expanded Mali westward to the Atlantic Ocean • Its height included 3 independent confederations Its height included 3 independent confederations

& 12 provinces& 12 provinces• Population 8 millionPopulation 8 million• He is an important figure in W. Sudenese religionHe is an important figure in W. Sudenese religion• Practiced Islamic & indigenous faith Practiced Islamic & indigenous faith

Sundiata’s AchievementsSundiata’s Achievements

Had quick decisive victories over enemiesHad quick decisive victories over enemies Organized the state to administer civil authoritiesOrganized the state to administer civil authorities Gave women powerful positionsGave women powerful positions Took control over Trans-Sahara tradeTook control over Trans-Sahara trade Set-up Niani as capital city & key trading/financial centerSet-up Niani as capital city & key trading/financial center Focused on agriculture-transformed soldiers into farmersFocused on agriculture-transformed soldiers into farmers Became known as one of the richest farming areasBecame known as one of the richest farming areas Introduced cultivation & weaving of cotton into regionIntroduced cultivation & weaving of cotton into region

Mansa (Emporer or Sultan)Mansa (Emporer or Sultan)22ndnd – Mansa Musa – Mansa Musa

• Ruled 1312-1337 ACERuled 1312-1337 ACE• Expanded Mali into one of the world’s largest Expanded Mali into one of the world’s largest

empiresempires• Devout Muslim – built magnificent mosquesDevout Muslim – built magnificent mosques• Best known for pilgrimage to Mecca Best known for pilgrimage to Mecca

1324ACE w/60,000 people, train of 100 1324ACE w/60,000 people, train of 100 elephants, 80 camels & more than 2 tons elephants, 80 camels & more than 2 tons (24,000lbs.) of gold (24,000lbs.) of gold

Mansa Musa’s Achievements Mansa Musa’s Achievements

Returned from Mecca w/ black scholars, architects & Returned from Mecca w/ black scholars, architects & other skilled menother skilled men

Built University of Sankore at Timbuktu – became Built University of Sankore at Timbuktu – became one of the major cultural centersone of the major cultural centers

Built vast libraries & Madrasas (Islamic Universities) Built vast libraries & Madrasas (Islamic Universities) Timbuktu became a meeting place of the finest poets, Timbuktu became a meeting place of the finest poets, scholars, and artists of Africa & the Middle East.scholars, and artists of Africa & the Middle East.

Even after the decline of Mali Timbuktu remains the Even after the decline of Mali Timbuktu remains the major Islamic center of sub-Sahara Africamajor Islamic center of sub-Sahara Africa

1375 ACE Charles V of France had the Catalan Map 1375 ACE Charles V of France had the Catalan Map (Atlas) w/ Mansa Musa “Rex Mali” in its center(Atlas) w/ Mansa Musa “Rex Mali” in its center

Decline of MaliDecline of Mali

Death of Mansa Musa Death of Mansa Musa →↓ of influence & →↓ of influence & independence of subject statesindependence of subject states

Devastating drought hampers economy → Devastating drought hampers economy → internal strife & foreign invasioninternal strife & foreign invasion

1430ACE Tuareg Berbers seize control giving 1430ACE Tuareg Berbers seize control giving rise to Songhayrise to Songhay

SonghaySonghay

• 33rdrd great sahelian kingdom great sahelian kingdom• Slowly takes over empire of Mali & Kanem-Slowly takes over empire of Mali & Kanem-

BoruBoru• Rises fully under Sunni dynasty with 2 great Rises fully under Sunni dynasty with 2 great

leaders (Sunni Ali Ber & Mamadu Toure)leaders (Sunni Ali Ber & Mamadu Toure)

Historic Leaders of SonghayHistoric Leaders of Songhay11stst – Sunni Ali Ber – Sunni Ali Ber

Ber=the GreatBer=the Great Ruled 1464 – 1492 ACE reigned 28 yrs.Ruled 1464 – 1492 ACE reigned 28 yrs. Built Songhay from a small western stateBuilt Songhay from a small western state Had full-time professional soldiers w/ horse & camel Had full-time professional soldiers w/ horse & camel

cavalry w/men in armor cavalry w/men in armor He built a navy of war canoes which sailed the NigerHe built a navy of war canoes which sailed the Niger His military conquered major cities of MaliHis military conquered major cities of Mali Songhay converted the nation to IslamSonghay converted the nation to Islam

14921492

3 Significant Events Occur:3 Significant Events Occur:

1) Death of Sunni Ali Ber1) Death of Sunni Ali Ber

2) Columbus finds America2) Columbus finds America

3) The last of the Moors are expelled 3) The last of the Moors are expelled from from Spain Spain

Last Great Ruler of SonghayLast Great Ruler of Songhay

22ndnd Mamadu Toure Mamadu Toure• Ruled 1493-1529 ACE Ruled 1493-1529 ACE • Ascended to thrown under the name of Ascended to thrown under the name of

Askia Muhammad, “Askia the Great”Askia Muhammad, “Askia the Great”• Askia means “General”Askia means “General”• Considered their most gifted kingConsidered their most gifted king• A distinguished general, administrator & devout A distinguished general, administrator & devout

Muslim Muslim

Askia’s AchievementsAskia’s Achievements Built an effective army from Built an effective army from POW’s & ex-slavesPOW’s & ex-slaves Established the Askia dynastyEstablished the Askia dynasty Expand empire 2,000 miles long by 1,000 miles wideExpand empire 2,000 miles long by 1,000 miles wide Homogenized culture throughout SonghayHomogenized culture throughout Songhay Revived commercial prosperity of Timbuktu & its Revived commercial prosperity of Timbuktu & its

fame as an intellectual centerfame as an intellectual center Emissaries worldwide studied in its libraries & w/its Emissaries worldwide studied in its libraries & w/its

scholarsscholars 1497 Pilgrimage to Mecca w/ 300,000 pieces of gold1497 Pilgrimage to Mecca w/ 300,000 pieces of gold Promoted education reforms & advancement in Promoted education reforms & advancement in

sciencescience Created expert banking systems & institutions, & Created expert banking systems & institutions, &

laws regulating business of the empirelaws regulating business of the empire

Decline of SonghayDecline of Songhay

Its continued expanded size Its continued expanded size → its downfall→ its downfall Its massive army 35,000 soldiers, archers & Its massive army 35,000 soldiers, archers &

cavalry couldn’t keep ordercavalry couldn’t keep order By 1612 the cities fell into general disarrayBy 1612 the cities fell into general disarray

Things to RememberThings to Remember1)1) Economic life of these states revolved around Economic life of these states revolved around

agriculture, manufacturing & international tradeagriculture, manufacturing & international trade2)2) Rulers held power through good administration & Rulers held power through good administration &

maintenance of large armiesmaintenance of large armies3)3) ““The Blacks” said to be those who most detest injustice.The Blacks” said to be those who most detest injustice.4)4) Jenne & Timbuktu known throughout the Muslim world Jenne & Timbuktu known throughout the Muslim world

as centers of culture & learningas centers of culture & learning5)5) African women of these cities considered the most African women of these cities considered the most

beautiful & shown more respect then the men beautiful & shown more respect then the men (matrilineal societies). Women not bashful or veiled(matrilineal societies). Women not bashful or veiled

6)6) Power & wealth came from control of the Trans-Sahara Power & wealth came from control of the Trans-Sahara based primarily on gold & saltbased primarily on gold & salt