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5 African Kingdoms that shaped the continent.
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5 African Kingdoms that influenced the world
If you think the Egyptian empire was the only notable empire in Africa, you’re in for some learning.
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1. The Mali Empire
The great Mali Empire began in the 1200s by Sundiata Keita, sometimes referred to as “Lion King”. The Mali Empire was known for being the epicenter of trade, elaborate mosques, islamic schools, and simply for being a world of luxury and riches. One of the great leaders of the empire, Mansa Musa, had so much gold that he passed it out to poor along his hajj to Mecca.
The Mali empire was so rich through trade that by the 14the century, it was the source of almost half the old world’s gold exported from West Africa. The empire was also home to Sankara Madrassa, one of the greatest centers of learning and housed the largest library in Africa at the time, with an estimated 700,000 manuscripts.
2. The Kingdom of Kush
This ancient Nubian empire ruled over a vast territory along the Nile River, in what is modern day Sudan starting from around 785 BC. This Kingdom was so powerful that it even ruled it’s famous neighbor to the north, Egypt, as the 25th Dynasty, which meant the monarchs of Kush were also the pharaohs of Egypt. The Kingdom of Kush thrived for over a thousand years and was a center of trade for iron and gold. The Kushites also mummified their dead and built their own types of pyramids. Infact, the ancient Kushite capital of Meroe is home to ruins of over 200 pyramids, far more than Egypt.
3. The Songhai Empire
This large West African Kingdom was formed in the 15th century and encompassed a dozen of modern day African nations. The capital of this massive empire was the city of Gao, which was located in modern day Mali. It’s greatest leader was King Muhammad Askia (also known as Askia the Great), who expanded the reach of the Kingdom and established hundreds of Islamic schools in Timbuktu. He also opened his court to scholars and poets from throughout the Muslim world. He advocated for learning and rewarded professors with large pensions.
The Songhai empire was divided into 5 provinces, each led by a governor. The Songhai Empire also had a hand in slave trade, in Africa and with European powers. Slaves were sold off to be indentured servants, but many argue that the slavery that Africans knew is far different from the slavery of the Americas.
4. The Kingdom of Aksum
During the times of the Roman Empire, another influential empire was thriving in East Africa. The Kingdom of Aksum was a trading giant whose gold and ivory created a vital link between ancient Europe and the Far East. It was one of the first empires in the world to adopt Christianity and was one of the four most powerful empires in the world at the time. The Kingdom of Aksum also developed its own written script know as Ge’ez, one of the first in Africa, and had its own unique architectural style.
5. The Kingdom of Zimbabwe
Established around 1220, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe expanded artistic and stone masonry tradition to impressive levels. Elaborate stone buildings were built and trade with Asia and Arabic partners thrived in this Kingdom that was greatly influenced by the Kingdom of Mapungubwe in Southern Africa. The medieval city of Great Zimbabwe served as the capital of the Kingdom. That is where the ruins of the impeccably built buildings are found today.
