The Sahelian kingdoms were a series of centralized kingdoms or empires that were centered on the Sahel, the area of grasslands south of the Sahara, from the 8th century to the 19th. The wealth of the states came from controlling the trade routes across the desert.

The Sahelian kingdoms were a series of centralized kingdoms or empires that were centered on the Sahel, the area of grasslands south of the Sahara, from the 8th century to the 19th. The wealth of the states came from controlling the trade routes across the desert. 

Their power came from having large pack animals like camels and horses that were fast enough to keep a large empire under central control and were also useful in warfare and trade.

There were integrated kingdoms and empires, with substantial cities and significant towns; and less organised territories with large scattered populations. 

People practised agriculture, stock-rearing, hunting, fishing, and craftsmanship such as metalworking, textiles and ceramics. They navigated along rivers and across lakes, traded over short and long distances, and used their own currencies.

The three most powerful and famous empires were Ghana, Mali and Songhai which collectively dominated the Trans Saharan Trade for over nine centuries. The Sahel also saw more extensive use of armor than anywhere else in Sub Saharan Africa.

They had infantry but their military strength came from their cavalry who wore full body gambesons, leather jerkins and chainmail. They also had similar armors for their horses.

There was an attempt to experiment with plate armor like the ones used by the Kanem Bornu Empire.But the hot climate made it ineffective for it to be fully adopted.