New Empires Control Africa's Trade
Trace how the Songhai Empire replaced Mali, how Great Zimbabwe controlled East African trade, and how coastal city-states connected Africa to the Indian Ocean in Grade 7 history.
Key Concepts
As the Mali Empire declined, the Songhai Empire emerged as the new power in West Africa. It seized control of the trans Saharan trade routes and the wealthy city of Timbuktu, continuing the region's legacy of powerful trading empires.
Meanwhile, different kingdoms flourished in East Africa. States like Axum and Great Zimbabwe became major commercial centers. They grew wealthy by participating in the vast Indian Ocean trade network, which connected Africa with Arabia and Asia.
Common Questions
How did the Songhai Empire come to dominate West Africa?
As the Mali Empire weakened in the 15th century, the Songhai people seized control of the Niger River valley and its trade routes. Under rulers like Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, Songhai expanded to become the largest empire in West African history, capturing Timbuktu and the profitable trans-Saharan trade that had made Mali wealthy.
What was Great Zimbabwe and how did it grow powerful?
Great Zimbabwe was a major stone-walled city in southern Africa (present-day Zimbabwe) that flourished from around 1000 to 1450 CE. It controlled the gold trade from interior African mines to the Indian Ocean coast, becoming a major commercial hub. The massive stone enclosures built without mortar remain impressive archaeological evidence of sophisticated urban society.
How did East African city-states connect Africa to Indian Ocean trade?
East African city-states like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Malindi developed along the Swahili Coast as trading centers where African merchants met traders from Arabia, India, and China. Monsoon winds powered regular sailings across the Indian Ocean. These cities traded African gold, ivory, and enslaved people for Asian silks, porcelain, and manufactured goods.