Ghana Empire's Late Power and the Almoravid Capture of Kumbi (1070s)

Timeline

1. 1071–1075Northern stretch of Saharan trade routes · SaharaAfter consolidating Morocco and Mauritania, the Almoravids pressed south along the trans-Saharan trade routes, challenging Ghana's taxation rights over gold sources and salt roads, and intensifying border conflicts and tributary tensions.
2. 1076Kumbi-Saleh · SenegalAlmoravid forces captured the Ghana capital Kumbi-Saleh, dealing heavy blows to the imperial court and storage system, and significantly weakening central control over gold-producing regions such as Wangara.
3. 1077–1080Upper Senegal River · MaliGhana's vassals and local chiefs seized the opportunity to assert independence, the focus of trade routes shifted south, and Mande peoples and Soninke communities gained strength around the Niger bend, as West Africa's political center began shifting from Ghana to emerging polities.