Beginning about 1200 CE, the Mali, Songhay, and Ghana empires spread their sequential influence across the western horn of Africa, making advances in trade, language, culture, and economy. Influenced heavily by Islam in their later periods, these empires flourished and grew under a series of powerful leaders, including one, Mansa Musa, whose skills were celebrated in European capitals. ""Empires of Medieval West Africa, Revised Edition"" discusses the vital role salt and other natural resources played in the development of the empires, the rich and diverse cultures, and the influence of the growing Islamic Empire on every day life. Included are some transcriptions of the oral tradition that is, in many cases, the only record of the deeds and achievements of these people. Connections to life today include the continuing impact of Islam and tribal groups in today's Africa and the influence of the medieval traditions on modern music and cuisine.

About the Author
David C. Conrad holds a Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and is professor emeritus of history at the State University of New York-Oswego. President of the Mande Studies Association since 1986, Conrad has been a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, the Fulbright Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Some of his books include A State of Intrigue: The Epic of Bamana Segou, Epic Ancestors of the Sunjata Era, and Sunjata: A West African Epic of the Mande Peoples. In 2008, he appeared in an episode of the Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe and in the Discovery Channel series Into the Unknown with Josh Bernstein.


Book Information
ISBN 9781604131642
Author David C. Conrad
Format Hardback
Page Count 152
Imprint Chelsea House Publishers
Publisher Chelsea House Publishers
Weight(grams) 549g