User:Alexanderkowal/sandbox/History of Africa: West Africa

West Africa

Western Sahel

First written record of Ghana in 8th century by Arabs "Ghāna, the land of gold"

expansion and apex of Ghana, Gao - Ghana's collapse, Sosso - rise of Mali, Jolof, Songhai, Great Fulo

Ghana's vassal Diarra conquered Takrur in 826.

With the gradual drying of the Sahel, epicentres for trade shifted south towards the Niger river, strengthening Ghana's vassals while weakening its core. In 1054 Aoudaghost, at the time a royal seat, fell to the Saharan Sanhaja Berbers, who would later go onto form the Almoravid dynasty in the Maghreb. The Almoravids retained influence over Ghana's court for the next few decades, with the empire converting to Islam in 1076. In the wake of this, some of Ghana's vassals achieved independence such as Sosso, Diarra, and Diafunu. Ghana resurged, reconquering its former vassals in the 12th century.