Medieval Africa & the Americas
A timeline of major developments in Africa and the Americas from 300 to 1450 CE — from Aksum's peak to the rise of Mali, Great Zimbabwe, the Aztecs, and the Inca.
Kingdom of Aksum at Its Peak
The East African kingdom of Aksum dominates Red Sea trade, adopts Christianity, and develops its own script — Ge'ez.
Bantu Migrations Reshape Southern Africa
Bantu-speaking peoples continue spreading iron-working, agriculture, and their languages across eastern and southern Africa.
Rise of the Swahili Coast City-States
Trading cities like Kilwa, Mogadishu, and Mombasa emerge along the East African coast, connecting Africa to the Indian Ocean commercial world.
Toltec Civilization Flourishes in Central Mexico
The Toltecs dominate central Mexico from their capital Tula, later revered by the Aztecs as a golden age of civilization.
Great Zimbabwe Emerges
The city of Great Zimbabwe begins its rise as a major trading center, controlling gold exports to the Swahili coast.
Sundiata Founds the Mali Empire
Sundiata Keita defeats Sumanguru Kante at the Battle of Kirina, establishing the Mali Empire and controlling the gold-salt trade.
Mansa Musa's Hajj
Mansa Musa's legendary pilgrimage to Mecca displays such wealth that it crashes gold markets across the Mediterranean and puts Mali on European maps.
Tenochtitlán Founded
The Aztecs (Mexica) found their island capital on Lake Texcoco — destined to become one of the world's largest cities.
Great Zimbabwe at Its Peak
Great Zimbabwe reaches its maximum extent, with its massive stone enclosures housing perhaps 18,000 people.
Aztec Triple Alliance Formed
The Aztec alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan creates the power bloc that will dominate Mesoamerica until the Spanish arrival.
Inca Empire Begins Rapid Expansion
Under Pachacuti, the Inca begin their dramatic expansion from the Cusco valley, eventually creating the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.