Search
Search Results
Definition
Wolof Empire
The Wolof (aka Jolof or Djolof) Empire was a state on the coast of West Africa, located between the Senegal and Gambia rivers, which thrived from the mid-14th to mid-16th century CE. The empire prospered on trade thanks to the two rivers...
Definition
Ghana Empire
The Ghana Empire flourished in West Africa from at least the 6th to 13th century CE. Not connected geographically to the modern state of Ghana, the Ghana Empire was located in the western Sudan savannah region (modern southern Mauritania...
Article
The Salt Trade of Ancient West Africa
Salt from the Sahara desert was one of the major trade goods of ancient West Africa where very little naturally occurring deposits of the mineral could be found. Transported via camel caravans and by boat along such rivers as the Niger and...
Image
Wolof Warrior
A mid-19th century CE illustration of a Wolof warrior. The Wolof Empire dominated West Africa between the Senegal and Gambia Rivers from the mid-14th to mid-16th century CE before breaking up into successor kingdoms, one of which was Wolof...
Image
Wolof Chief & Residence
A mid-19th century CE illustration of a Wolof chief and residence. The Wolof Empire dominated West Africa between the Senegal and Gambia Rivers from the mid-14th to mid-16th century CE before breaking up into successor kingdoms, one of which...
Image
Map of the Mali Empire
A map illustrating the rise and extent of the Mali Empire (c. 1235 - 1672) as it reached its height in the 13th century as one of the most powerful and wealthy states in West Africa. Spanning a vast territory that included modern-day Mali...
Video
The Rise and Fall of the Ghana Empire of West Africa
Did you know that the rulers of the Ghana Empire were so rich they were known as Kings of Gold? This video is all about the rise and fall of the great Ghana Empire, once known as the land of gold. The Ghana Empire flourished in West Africa...
Video
The History of the West African Salt Trade
Did you know that salt was literally worth its weight in gold in ancient West Africa? This video is all about the lucrative trade of salt in West African history. Salt from the Sahara desert was one of the major trade goods of ancient...
Article
The Gold Trade of Ancient & Medieval West Africa
West Africa was one of the world's greatest producers of gold in the Middle Ages. Trade in the metal went back to antiquity but when the camel caravans of the Sahara linked North Africa to the savannah interior, the trade really took off...
Article
The Portuguese Colonization of Cape Verde
The Portuguese colonization of the Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Islands began from 1462. Initially envisaged as a base to give mariners direct access to West African trade, the Central Atlantic islands soon became a major hub of the Atlantic slave...