West Africa Empire

Beginning in prehistoric times, West Africa has always been an incredible region. Early nomadic tribes settled into some of the earliest communities on Earth and learned how to work with metal. Various West African tribes then became adept at working with metal and were some of the most skilled artisans in the world. As civilizations developed in West Africa, nomadic tribes turned into urban societies that built kingdoms. Eventually, some of the greatest leaders in the world created mighty West African empires.

Many people know about the Mali Empire and its famous ruler, Mansa Musa. But did you know there was a major empire that came before it? Medieval African history tends to get ignored in favor of medieval European history. However, there is so much rich history to uncover, especially in the region of West Africa. The Ghana Empire is considered one of the greatest empires in African history. There was an abundance of gold in the region, and the Ghana Empire was a powerful trading partner. Advancements were made in administration, allowing it to become a dominant power in the region.

By the mid-15th century, the Byzantine Empire had collapsed and the various Crusades that had taken place in the region had largely disrupted the overland routes of the Silk Road and trade. Compounding the difficulties of trade was the rise of the Ottoman Empire in place of the Byzantines and the outbreak of the Black Death in Europe. This audiobook chronicles the early efforts by the Portuguese that helped initiate the Age of Exploration, and the ramifications the colonization had across the world.

As the world progressed through medieval times, great empires rose and fell across Europe and Africa. However, in the 15th century, trans-oceanic voyages were allowing imperialism to reach distant shores. This new form of control became rampant, and untamed capitalism put the slave trade at its core.

Pick up almost any book on early and medieval world history and empire, and where do you find West Africa? On the periphery. This pioneering book tells a different story. Interweaving political and social history and drawing on a rich array of sources, Michael Gomez unveils a new vision of how categories of ethnicity, race, gender, and caste emerged in Africa and in global history. 

Experience the epic rise and dramatic collapse of a medieval African empire fueled by gold and trans-Saharan trade. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive historical journey transports you to the thriving grasslands and blistering deserts of the Western Sahel. Discover how a modest...

Unlock the Lost Legends and Hidden Kingdoms of Ancient Africa. Think you know African history? While most people picture the pyramids of Giza, few realize that ancient Nubia built over two hundred pyramids — more than anywhere else on Earth. Ancient Africa: Pyramids, Pharaohs, Lost Cities, and Powerful Kingdoms takes you on an unforgettable journey through the overlooked empires, captivating cultures, and brilliant innovations that shaped a continent.

Africa is the continent where the first humans were born. They explored the vast land and produced the first tools. And although we migrated from that continent, we never completely abandoned it. From the beginning of time, humans lived and worked in Africa, leaving evidence of their existence in the sands of the Sahara Desert and the valleys of the great rivers, such as the Nile and the Niger. Some of the earliest great civilizations were born there, and they give us an insight into the smaller kingdoms of ancient Africa.

Uncover the untold African history of a golden empire in this epic tale of ancient civilizations and royal power. Perfect for an immersive daily commute, this deep-dive historical narrative transports you directly to the vibrant landscapes of the western Sahel and Sahara. Witness the dramatic...

Step into the epic rise of West Africa's greatest trading empire during your next immersive audiobook commute. Discover how a small riverine society on the Niger River transformed into a massive geopolitical powerhouse. This focused narrative captures the brilliant leadership, commercial...

In the grand scheme of things, very little is known of Mansa Musa’s life. We know that he was one of the greatest emperors of the Mali Empire. And we know that he was actually one of the richest men of all time due to the enormous gold deposits in West Africa that were under his dominion, but large parts of Mansa Musa’s life remain a mystery.

Have you ever wondered why the Mali Empire was so wealthy and well-known? Find your answer in our guide about the Mali Empire, and learn about its foundation and rise to fame under Mansa Musa. Within this audiobook, you’ll listen to the humble beginnings and hardships that befell Sundiata Keita as he founded the Mali Empire. His thrilling story leads into how the empire was structured and its early laws and customs.

Uncover the epic rise and fall of ancient West Africa’s most powerful civilization, a legendary empire forged in gold. Perfect for an engaging daily commute or an afternoon of deep focus, this immersive historical narrative transports you directly to the unforgiving Sahara and vibrant Sahelian...

Experience the epic rise and fall of West Africa's greatest superpower in this captivating exploration of world history. Whether you are deeply focused on a daily commute or seeking to expand your cultural knowledge, this immersive narrative transports you to the bustling shores of the Niger...

Uncover the awe-inspiring rise of medieval West Africa, where exiled kings forged boundless power from gold and salt. Perfect for your morning commute or a historical deep dive, this epic narrative transports you to the sun-baked savannas of the Sahel. Immerse yourself in a captivating era of...

Explore the epic African history of mighty empires and the fierce fight for independence that shaped a modern nation. Whether you are commuting or settling into a focused listening session, this triumphant narrative transports you across centuries of West African heritage. Witness the...