1. why did ghana rise to power? 2. what was a timbuktu? 3. describe songhai under the rule of askia muhammad?

The rise of the Sudanic kingdoms (Ghana Mali and Songhay) between the 9th and 15th century marked a significant development  in West Africa. Ghana rose to prominence as  a result of the trans-Saharan trade which witnessed the exchange of salt from the North with gold from the South. Timbuktu was a major Africa city and site of learning during the reign of Mansa Musa, who was Emperor of Mali, one of three Sudanic states. The University of Timbuktu was also a major African university. Mansa Musa was known for his 14th century pilgrimage to Mecca during which he carried 100 wagonloads of gold. Songhai was a major military and trading power under Askia Mohammad, who was one of the most significant kings of the period. Jenne and Timbuktu were important trading centers. Increasingly, Islam became an important religious and cultural force in the region.