THE CITIES AND EMPIRES OF AFRICA
THE SONGHAI EMPIRE
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Songhai Empire ruled a large part of West Africa. King Sunni Ali, the founder of the Songhai Empire, had conquered the Mali Empire in the late 1400s. As the leader, Sunni Ali took over the city of Timbuktu in West Africa, stretching the empire further into Central Africa. In Timbuktu, many goods and riches were traded with other regions. The people of Songhai traded gold and ivory for salt from the Sahara Desert. The Songhai also built riverboats to transport troops and goods on the Niger River.
In 1493, Askia Muhammad became the new ruler of the Songhai Empire. Askia created a professional army and conquered many more regions throughout Western Africa, making the Songhai Empire even stronger. It was one of the largest empires to begin in West Africa.
THE KINGDOM OF KUSH
The Kingdom of Kush existed between c. 2500 BC and AD 350. Kush was part of Nubia, a region that stretched from the Nile River to the Red Sea. The kingdom had a great influence on Northeastern Africa. It was a major trading center for sub-Saharan goods like gold, ivory, ebony, and animal skins.
The Kingdom of Kush included three kingdoms over time, with capitals in Kerma, Napata, and Meroë. Located in present-day Sudan, Kerma is one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Nubia. For a time, the kingdom was invaded by Egypt.
When the Egyptians retreated, the Kingdom of Kush rose again, and Napata became the second capital. Persian raids on Napata led to the rise of Meroë as the new capital of Kush.
The Kushites built many pyramids in Meroë. Many of these are the tombs of ancient kings and queens.
During this time, Kushites developed their own ideas about art and architecture. They also created their own writing system and burial practices. These three capitals helped make the Kingdom of Kush one of the most famous civilizations to emerge from Nubia.
GREAT ZIMBABWE
Founded by the Shona people around AD 1100, Great Zimbabwe is the name of the impressive stone ruins still standing near modern-day Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The name Zimbabwe comes from the Shona word, meaning “houses of stone.” These stone ruins, and the surrounding valley, were once the home of thousands of people who lived in the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
Gold and ivory were sourced and traded, making Great Zimbabwe one of the major African trade centers. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts such as Asian pottery and Arab coins in these ruins. The site was abandoned in the 15th century when the Shona people migrated elsewhere. There have since been many theories about the founders of Great Zimbabwe. Today, its legacy is one of the largest and most culturally important archaeological sites of its kind in Africa.
THE CITY OF CARTHAGE
The city of Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. The Phoenicians are known for their invention of the alphabet and cultural-wide teachings of writing. After becoming a Phoenician colony, Carthage became a trading post in North Africa. Located in modern-day Tunis in Tunisia, Carthage was the most important trading hub of the ancient Mediterranean.
Over time, Carthage became known for manufacturing and the development of many skilled workmen—potters, glassmakers, and goldsmiths—who created products like knives, bowls, plates, jewelry, and vases.
The name Carthage comes from the Phoenician name meaning “new city” or “new town.”
This powerful city would go on to control areas throughout Northern Africa and present-day Spain. Carthage was brought to an end in 146 BC following a series of wars fought with Rome, which concluded with the Third Punic War.