Places
Map A schematic map. It shows no empire boundaries, because historical states had shifting, layered edges that cannot honestly be drawn as lines. Modern country names are given only to help you locate places today.
Schematic map of West Africa with approximate historical locations Sahara Atlantic Ocean Niger Timbuktu Djenné Gao Niani (proposed capital) Kirina Koumbi Saleh Bambuk goldfields Bure goldfields Taghaza Cape Mount Lofa (Loma homeland) Coastline and river simplified.
All places (list view) Timbuktu Mali Scholarly and trading town near the Niger Bend. Djenné Mali Ancient town of the inland Niger delta, known for earthen architecture. Gao Mali Capital of Songhay; site of the Tomb of Askia. Niani (proposed capital) Guinea · approximate Long proposed as Mali's capital; not confirmed by archaeology. Kirina Mali · approximate Traditional site of Sunjata's victory over Sosso. Koumbi Saleh Mauritania Archaeological site often identified with a capital of ancient Ghana. Bambuk goldfields Senegal / Mali · approximate Gold-producing region; area, not a point. Bure goldfields Guinea · approximate Gold-producing region on the upper Niger; area, not a point. Taghaza Mali · approximate Saharan salt-mining site. Cape Mount Liberia · approximate Vai-speaking area associated with the origins of the Vai script. Lofa (Loma homeland) Liberia / Guinea · approximate Region home to Loma communities across the modern border.