Empires/ Dynasties
Founded 1299, this (very) long lasting empire expanded to cover land in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Ottoman Empire
This trade route connected Sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean and allowed for the exchange of commodities and culture.
The Trans Saharan Trade Route.
The Islamic split into these groups was born from the debates over Muhammad's successor. These groups continued to fight and was a split in the Islamic world.
Sunni Islam vs Shia Islam
Ending the Byzantine Empire and allowing for the future Ottoman takeover and growth, this event disrupted trade routes and began the cultural shifts around Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
The Sack of Constantinople
This empire had a strong military, and clashed often with the Ottoman Empire. They established Shi'ite as the dominant religion, unified Iran, and created an Iranian identity and culture.
The Safavid Empire (1500s - 1700s)
This metal was abundant in Africa and fueled the economic systems of West African cities. It was a major export to Europe.
Gold
Lasting from roughly 600 - 1258 this era of religion was significant in its advancements in science, the arts, and technology. Major dynasties like the Umayyad and the Abbasid were key leaders in this era.
The Golden Age of Islam
This 1258 event marked the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate and the end of the Islamic Golden age.
The Sack of Baghdad
This Empire overthrew its predecessor in 750 CE. They were the center of the Islamic Golden age until being destroyed by the Mongols. They were inclusive of non-Arabs and encouraged education and the advancements.
The Abbasid Caliphate
The use of these made trade within Africa much easier. Greater amounts of goods could be moved safely across the Sahara Desert, with the help of these.
Camels / Caravans
This event marks the start of the Muslim calendar and the birth of the first Islamic state. This event formalized the Hajj as one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
Muhammad's trek to Medina
This series of religious wars was initiated by Roman Catholics with the goal of reclaiming holy land from Muslim control.
The Crusades (1095-1291)
This empire was the largest and wealthiest in West Africa. As an economic hub they held control over African trade routes and goods. They helped to perpetuate the spread of Islam throughout the region.
The Mali Empire (1200s - 1600s)
This good was vital to Africa's economy, as it was valued almost as much as gold within Africa and other countries. Its value came from its use as a preservative.
Salt
This African leader ruled Mali with a bureaucratic system that benefited each sector. He brought scholars and architects to Mali to make it a center for education and culture. He is also the richest man in the ever.
Mansa Musa
This was a period of rapid territorial expansion by the Muslim Arab Empire after the death of the Muhammad. (600s-700s)
Islamic Conquests
This dynasty was responsible for the initial and vast spread of Islam and the Arabic language.
The Umayyad Caliphate (661 - 750 CE)
This movement in Islam was often made up of merchants and missionaries. They emphasized personal connection to Allah and spread Islam along trade routes to Africa.
Sufism / Sufi