African History Midterm

Front 1

Emperor of Mali from 1312-1337; ended the leadership struggles that followed Sundiata’s death, strengthened the army, imposed peace law and order across the Empire, greatly improved the administration by appointing famous generals, very strict against governors that committed injustices or oppressed their constituents, established friendly relations with foreign states such as Egypt and Morocco, encouraged Islamic learning and the immigration of Muslim scholars from North Africa and Middle East; made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, 500 slaves went before him each carrying a staff of gold weighing 4 pounds, attracted so much publicity that Mali appeared on a European map for the first time. After Sundiata, was known as Mali’s greatest ruler.

Back 1

Mansa Musa

Front 2

One of Sunni Ali’s senior army commanders, came to power by overthrowing Sunni’s son, killed all members of the Sunni dynasty, went on a pilgrimage to Mecca that was said to have been on a larger scale than Mansa Musa’s, Askia’s coup d’etat was supported by Muslim Songhai, He brought from Mecca Islamic scholars, jurists, architects and other professionals who assisted him in the administration of Songhai, established diplomatic ties with Muslim leaders and officials in the middle east and north Africa, He created new administrative structures and techniques, divided the Empire into provinces ruled by his sons and close relatives, he was assisted in central government by a Council of Ministers, He actively promoted trade and commerce by ensuring a just and equitable society and assuring peace, law and order in the Empire

Back 2

Askia Muhammad

Front 3

• Mansa Musa’s famous pilgrimage to Mecca
• Mansa Musa left Mali with 100 camel loads of gold
• 500 slaves went before him each carrying a staff of gold weighing 4 pounds
• He was accompanied by his senior wife who was attended by 500 slaves and maids
• Thousands of slaves, soldiers, officials and dignitaries were part of his huge delegation
• He gave away so much gold in Cairo that its value fell in the markets for ten years
• Thanks to Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage and the publicity it attracted, Mali appeared on a European map for the first time
• On his return journey, he brought to Mali many Islamic scholars, architects, poets, and missionaries to help build his Empire

Back 3

1324

Front 4

founder of the Songhai Empire, defeated Mossi out of Sanghai, expanded borders, established a strong Navy and created special governorships for troubled areas of the Empire, sometimes described unjust and cruel towards Muslims and the Fulani, did not make much use of Muslim scholars, ruled according to the tenets of traditional Songhai religion and politics.

Back 4

Sunni Ali

Front 5

King of Susu, defeated by Sundiata after the Malinke people were united by oppression under his reign.

Back 5

Sumaoro

Front 6

The Moroccan invasion and Songhai’s defeat at the Battle of Tondibi

Back 6

1591

Front 7

“They tell of how, once the harvest was complete, they set out on adventures and hear of a monstrous buffalo that was ravaging the countryside near Do, taking several lives daily in its rampage. The king of Do had promised great reward to whoever killed the buffalo, and the young men decided to try their luck. While exploring the land, they came across a distraught and starving old woman by a river. She had been ignored by all others, but they are moved and share with her their food. After she ate, she told them she knows of their intentions and would help them defeat the buffalo as a reward. She confessed that she herself is the buffalo, and has been vanquished by their generosity. She gave them a staff and an egg and sketched out the following plan: when they see her transformed, they must first use the staff to point at her three times. This will make her susceptible to their arrows, which they will then fire. She will fall but rise again, and then pursue them. They then must throw an egg behind them, which will cease her charge and allow them to kill her. They can then cut off the buffalo's gold tail to bring to the king as proof. She ends by sharing her reason for punishing Do: she was the sister of Do's king and was robbed of her inheritance.”

Back 7

Buffalo Woman