THE WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
The early states in western Sudan were established in the region between the Sahara desert and the forest region of the South. The most notable states are/were Ghana, Mali, Songhai and Karnem Borno.
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
• Good geographical location
• Iron technology
• The growth of population
• Development of local industries
• Taxation
• Trans - Saharan Trade
• Availability of valuable goods e.g. Gold
• Good centralized government
• Capable leaders
• Strong Army
GHANA EMPIRE (500 AD-1200 AD)
• During its rise, Ghana had two main towns, one occupied by Muslims and the other by Pagans. The rulers and the people were Soninke speaking group under Tunka Manin. The word ‘Ghana’ or ‘Kayamaghan’ as the King’s title emerged in 5th AD. The empire originated from a small state called Wagadu. The capital center or city of administration was Koumbi Saleh.
• Soninke rulers ("Ghanas") of the Cisse dynasty.
• Mayan Dyabe Cisse: circa 790s
• Bassi: 1040–1062
• Tunka Manin: 1062–1076. He is acknowledged as the founder of great ancient Ghana.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF THE GHANA EMPIRE
• Agricultural activities
• Availability of valuable goods e. g gold
• Trans – Saharan trade in gold and salt
• Good leadership and efficient system of government.
• Existence of a good standing army.
• Common language, i.e: Soninke language
FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE OF GHANA EMPIRE IN 13TH CENTURY
• Almoravids’ constant attacks.
i.e: Berber’s Muslim dynasty from Marrakesh in Morocco.
• Disunity among the people.
• By the second half of the 11th century, the empire appeared too large to administer.
• Jihad wars
• Lack of stable system of royal successions
• The rise of rural kingdoms e.g. Mali
