1. Seljuk armies take over parts of Asia, Byzantine lands
  2. Eastern and Western Christian churches split
  3. Norman armies conquer England
  4. Armed pilgrims recapture the Holy Land
  5. Toltec empire continues to flourish
  6. Cities in Africa and Europe grow
  7. Commerce across the Sahara in Africa thrives
  8. Chinese culture flowers under the Song dynasty
  9. Ghana Empire in turmoil

9. Ghana Empire in turmoil

The Soninke people, who had controlled the Ghana Empire for 300 years, were conquered by Berber Almoravids from North Africa in the middle of the 1000's. Later in the century, the Soninkes retook their historic capital, Kumbi Saleh, but were unable to recapture the outer parts of their former empire. The famous Ghana Empire, which has been a major trading partner with northern Africa and other parts of the Arab world, may never regain its former glory.

Read authoritative accounts of life in the "land of gold." Click here.

View from Today