History of Timbuktu

folke (64)in #history • 8 years ago (edited)

The city of Timbuktu, located today in the nation of Mali, was at one time a significant intellectual and spiritual world capital, and a nexus for the spread of Islam throughout Africa. Many of the city's libraries and learning centers, including Sankore Madrasah, still stand today.

Fast Facts

French spelling: Tombouctou
Located on the inner delta of the Niger River
Current Population: 54,453
Languages: Arabic, Bambara, French, Songhai
Founded 1080 AD when Tuareg nomads build a caravan rest stop around a well
Major Saharan trade center for copper, gold, salt, slaves, and silver

Founding

Timbuktu was founded by the Tuareg Imashagan people in the 11th century. A semi-nomadic peoples, the Tuareg would travel around the desert during the rainy season to find grazing land for their livestock. During the dry season however they would return to the Niger River which would lead to sicknesses from mosquitoes and stagnant water. Eventually they settled a few miles away from the river where they dug a well which became the origin of the ancient city.