West African empires were powerful states located in the Sahel region of Africa, including Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. They flourished through trans-Saharan trade and were influenced by Islam.
Related terms
Trans-Saharan Trade: Trans-Saharan trade was a network of trade routes connecting North Africa with West Africa, primarily for the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods.
Mansa Musa: Mansa Musa was a famous ruler of the Mali Empire known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and his immense wealth.
Timbuktu: Timbuktu was a flourishing city in Mali that served as a center for Islamic learning and commerce during the empire's golden age.