Kanem Empire

The Kanem Empire was a powerful African state that existed from around the 9th to the 15th century in what is now Chad and Libya. It was founded by the Kanuri people and became a major center for trade, especially in salt, gold, and slaves, connecting West Africa with North Africa and beyond. The empire was known for its strong leadership, military strength, and the development of Islamic culture and learning. Over time, it evolved into the later Bornu Empire, maintaining regional influence for centuries.