Dynasties of West Africa

The trans-Saharan trading empires and their successor states.

2 dynasties

Keita Dynasty

West Africa · 1235 – 1670

The ruling house of the Mali Empire, which dominated West Africa from the 13th to 15th centuries. They controlled the trans-Saharan trade routes and held near-monopolies on gold and salt.

4 figures

Songhai Empire

West Africa / Middle Niger · 1464 – 1591

The largest contiguous empire in West African history, which controlled the trans-Saharan gold and salt trade.

2 figures