Most African countries have political systems based on forms of government organised by their colonial masters during the era of European rule. There was a time ancient kingdoms thrived leaving legacies for historians and students to study. Although most of these kingdoms have disappeared, they registered their mark in shaping Africa’s history. They are also a reminder of how great the African continent has always been. These are 5 most notable ancient African kingdoms:
1. The Great Benin Empire
Located in present-day Nigeria, the Benin Empire, which was quite prominent during the 13th to 19th centuries, was famous for its wealth, trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship. The ruler was referred to as the Oba had power and authority in all spheres. One highlight of the Benin Kingdom was the great wall of Benin and also known for its great works of art such as the Benin bronzes. The kingdom grew for a period until there was internal strife and an invasion of British forces that ended it in the 19th century.
2. The Ghana Empire
Wagadou, the great Ghana Empire existed around the 8th century CE and is presently known as Mauritania and Mali. The Ghana empire was established by the Soninke people at that time. It was popular for its control of vital trade routes across the Sahara Desert and for acting as a middleman between the Arab traders of North Africa and the indigenous peoples of West Africa. The Ghana Kingdom also had great military strength that enabled it to maintain control over its vast territories and protect its trade routes. However, in the 11th century CE, the Ghana Empire faced many challenges externally until it was overcome by the Mali Empire.
3. Kingdom of Mali
Tagged as one of West Africa’s most powerful empires during the 13th and 16th centuries, the Kingdom of Mali was so large that it encompassed parts of present-day Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita, in 1235 and derived its wealth from its gold mines. At some point, the kingdom had a prominent king – Mansa Musa, the tenth ruler of Mali. He was known for his pilgrimage to Mecca where he travelled with enormous amounts of gold that some sources say he would spend so much on his journey that the cities he travelled through will be left with inflation. Like its counterparts, the Mali Kingdom fizzled out due to internal conflict and the invasion that occurred in the late 17th century.
4. The Kingdom of Kush
Located in present-day Sudan from 1070 BCE to 350 CE, the kingdom of Kush was also another powerful and influential African kingdom. It was originally part of Egypt but later gained its independence and flourished for years to the extent of encroaching on the great Roman Empire and securing independence and respect from the Emperor himself. The Kingdom of Kush was known for its monumental structures such as temples, pyramids, and palaces. However, the kingdom later faced a decline due to internal strife, issues with the economy and external pressures.
5. The kingdom of Songhai
Also located in Africa, the Kingdom of Songhai was prominent in the 15th century. This Kingdom which later surpassed the Mali Empire originated in the city of Gao, under the leadership of Sunni Ali Ber, who ruled from 1464 to 1492. The Songhai Kingdom was known for wealth through trade in gold and salt. It controlled important trade routes connecting West Africa with North Africa and the Middle East.