The Great West African Empires

Known as the 'Land of Gold,' Ghana controlled the vast trans-Saharan trade routes, amassing immense wealth by taxing the trade of gold, salt, and other goods.

Founded by Sundiata Keita, the Mali Empire became one of the wealthiest in history. Its ruler, Mansa Musa, is famed for his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca. Timbuktu became a world-renowned center of learning.

One of the largest empires in African history, Songhai expanded its territory under leaders like Askia the Great, establishing a sophisticated bureaucracy and a professional army.