The document summarizes three West African empires between 750-1600 CE. The Ghana Empire from 750-1076 CE was founded by the Soninke people and ruled by a powerful king with a large army. It was a commercially-based empire that controlled gold and salt trade routes. The Mali Empire from 1100-1400 CE was founded by Sundiata and ruled by the Mansa kings. It expanded through conquest, appointed governors, and converted to Islam which increased trade and prominence. The Songhai Empire from 1464-1600 CE gained power through war under Sunni Ali and organized provinces under Askia Muhammad based on Islamic law. It controlled the gold and salt trade with Timbuktu as a major economic and

1. West African Empires

5. The Mali Empire 1100-1400