Trans-Saharan gold–salt trade across West Africa (9th–16th centuries)

1. Sijilmasa founded as Saharan trade gateway

   Jan 1, 757Labels: Sijilmasa, Sahara oasis

   • Sijilmasa

2. Arabic writers document Ghana’s gold trade role

   Jan 1, 846Labels: Ghana Empire, Arabic geographers

   • Koumbi
   • Ghana

3. Al-Bakri composes key account of Ghana

   Jan 1, 1068Labels: Al-Bakri, Ghana capital

   • Al Bakri
   • Roads

4. Timbuktu develops from Tuareg caravan stop

   Jan 1, 1100Labels: Timbuktu, Tuareg caravans

   • Smithsonian
   • Timbuktu

5. Oualata becomes a major southern caravan terminus

   Jan 1, 1200Labels: Oualata, Sahel terminus

   • Oualata

6. Battle of Kirina establishes Mali’s dominance

   Jan 1, 1235Labels: Battle of, Sundiata Keita

   • Britannica
   • NatGeo

7. Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage publicizes Mali’s wealth

   Jan 1, 1324Labels: Mansa Musa, Hajj 1324

   • Timbuktu
   • Smithsonian

8. Djinguereber Mosque built as trade-era landmark

   Jan 1, 1327Labels: Djinguereber Mosque, Timbuktu

   • IRCICA
   • Djinguereber

9. Ibn Battuta describes Taghaza salt mining trade

   Feb 13, 1352Labels: Ibn Battuta, Taghaza

   • Tennessee
   • ORIAS

10. Sunni Ali captures Timbuktu for Songhai

    Jan 1, 1468Labels: Sunni Ali, Songhai Empire

    • OpenStax

11. Askia Muhammad builds a more centralized Songhai state

    Jan 1, 1493Labels: Askia Muhammad, Songhai administration

    • Britannica
    • OpenStax

12. Leo Africanus publishes European description of Timbuktu

    Jan 1, 1526Labels: Leo Africanus, Timbuktu description

    • Fordham
    • Africa

13. Taghaza declines and Taoudenni rises after 1591 era

    Jan 1, 1586Labels: Taghaza, Taoudenni

    • Taghaza
    • Taoudenni

14. Moroccan victory at Tondibi triggers Songhai collapse

    Mar 13, 1591Labels: Battle of, Moroccan forces

    • Tondibi