Early Civilizations

The Egyptians made papyrus by pressing layers of reeds together and pounding them into sheets. These sheets were through and durable yet could be rolled into scrolls Scribes wrote on papyrus using brushes and ink

Age of the pyramids. During this time, early pharaohs set up a strong central government. They also had great pyramids built as tombs for themselves. Some historians call this time the Age of the Pyramids.

The early kings ruled from their capital at Kerma. This city was located on the Nile just south of a cataract or stretch of Rapids. For many years it kept them safe from the king of the North

is sometimes called the Period of Reunification because it followed years of chaos and disunity. During this era, Egyptians enjoyed many great achievements in literature, art, and architecture.

In 1799 a French soldier gave historians the key they needed to read ancient Egyptian writing.

After Ghana fell because of invading forces and internal disputes, Mali rose to greatness under the leadership of a legendary king named Sundiata. Later, another great leader named Mansa Musa extended the empire. ... The Songhai empire, already weakened by internal political struggles and went into decline.

The Mali Empire or Mandingo Empire or Manden Kurufa was a West African empire of the Mandinka from c. 1230 to c. 1600. The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa I. The Mali Empire had many profound cultural influences on West Africa, allowing the spread of its language, laws and customs along the Niger River. It extended over a large area and consisted of numerous vassal kingdoms and provinces

The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for its wealth and rulers.

is often called Egypt’s Golden Age. During this time of peace and stability, ancient Egypt’s power reached its height. Pharaohs increased trade and had huge monuments built.

In 1590, al-Mansur took advantage of the recent civil strife in the empire and sent an army under the command of Judar Pasha to conquer the Songhai and to gain control of the Trans-Saharan trade routes. After the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Tondibi , the Songhai Empire collapsed.