The origins of the Fulani people are unclear and various theories have been postulated. They are generally considered to be North African and Arabic in origin, at least partially.[2][23][24] Known as one of the three "white"-rooted ethnic groups in West Africa, they typically have a lighter complexion than most Africans.[8][25]

The ethnogenesis of the Fulani people may have begun as a result of interactions between an ancient West African population and North African populations such as Berbers or Egyptians.[10][23][24] Their West African roots may be in and around the valley of Senegal River.[14] They likely reflect a genetic intermix of people with West African, North African and Arabian origins, and have been a part of many ruling dynasties particularly in the Sahel and West Africa.[8][23][26] Speculations about their origins started in the colonial era. In 1902, Edmund Dene Morel noted that the Leucæthiopes described by Pliny the Elder were described as running an "empire whose rulers were white, founded by a monarch with a Fulfulde" affixed to him name.[27]

Timeline of Fulani history Edit
Time Events
4th century The Ghana Empire emerges in modern-day southeastern Mauritania and western Mali, as the first large-scale Sudano-Sahelian empire
5th century The Ghana Empire becomes the most important power in West Africa
5th century (?) The Fulbe migrate southwards and Eastwards from present day Morocco and Mauritania
9th century Takrur, founded on the lower Senegal River (present-day Senegal), upon the influx of Fulani from the east and north settling in the Senegal River valley
11th century Kingdoms of Tekruur and the Gao Empire flourish in West Africa due to gold trade
1042 Almoravids attack Takruur, after defeating the Sanhaja Berbers in 1039
1050s Islam gains a strong foothold in West Africa
1050-1146 Almoravid dynasty, Berber Muslims from southern Morocco and Mauritania, take over Morocco, Algeria, and part of al-Andalus; they invade Ghana in 1076 and establish power there.
1062 Almoravids found capital at Marrakesh
1100 The Empire of Ghana starts to decline in influence and importance
1147 The Almohad Caliphate, ruled by Berber Muslims opposed to the Almoravids, seize Marrakesh and go on to conquer Almoravid Spain, Algeria, and Tripoli
1150 An unprecedented resurgence of the Ghana Empire sees it reach its height, controlling vast areas of western Africa as well as Saharan trade routes in gold and salt
1200 Fulanis of Takruur emerge from the shadows of a declining Ghana Empire and themselves set out on a road of conquest, they take its capital Koumbi Saleh in 1203
1235 Great warrior leader Sundiata Keita of the Mandinka people founds the Mali Empire in present-day Mali, West Africa; it expands under his rule
1240-1250 Mali absorbs Ghana, Tekruur and the Songhai Empire
1324 10th Emperor of Mali, Musa I of Mali, goes on his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. his procession reported to include 60,000 men, 12,000 slaves who each carried 4 pounds (1.8 kg) gold bars, heralds dressed in silks who bore gold staffs, organized horses and handled bags. Musa provided all necessities for the procession, feeding the entire company of men and animals. Also in the train were 80 camels, which varying reports claim carried between 50 and 300 pounds (23 and 136 kg) of gold dust each
1325 The Empire of Mali reaches its height of power, covering much of Northern West Africa.
1352 Ibn Battuta, Berber scholar, travels across Africa and writes an account of all he sees
1450 The Fulani, in their search for more pasture, begin another wave of Eastward migrations from Senegal, and start gaining converts to Islam through the mid-16th century.
1461 Recorded Fulani presence in Nigeria
1462 Sonni Ali becomes ruler of the Songhai people and goes on to build the Songhai Empire
1490 The Mali empire is overshadowed by the Songhai Empire
16th century Songhai Empire enters a period of massive expansion and power under Askia Mohammad I. Askia Mohammad....
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fula_people

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