Early African Civilizations Section 2: The Empire of ghana

Ghana Controls Trade Soninke – one of the earliest people in West Africa Lived in small groups and farmed the land along the Niger River Banded together for protection – beginning of Ghana Learned how to work with iron and how to use iron tools for farming Because Ghana’s farmers and herders could produce plenty of food, their population increased Lies between the Sahara (north) and deep forests (south) The regions tow main resources: gold and salt Followed silent barter – process in which people exchange goods without contacting each other directly

As trade in gold and salt increased, Ghana’s rulers gained power Took control of trade from North African merchants Additional goods were added to the trade items: wheat from the north, and sheep, cattle, and honey from the south

Ghana builds an Empire Nearly all trade between northern and southern Africa passed through Ghana Ghana’s army kept trade routes safe Every trader who entered Ghana had to pay a special tax on the goods he carried Each trader had to pay another tax on the goods he took with him when he left The people of Ghana had to pay taxes Forced small neighboring tribes to pay tribute The rulers of Ghana banned everyone else in Ghana from owning gold nuggets Common people could only own gold dust, which they used as money This ensured that the king was richer than his subjects

Part of Ghana’s wealth went to support its powerful army To keep order, Ghana kings allowed conquered rulers to retain much of their power These local rulers acted as governors of their territories, answering only to the king The empire reached it peak under Tunka Manin

Ghana’s Decline Three major factors contributed to the empire’s collapse Invasion Almoravids – group of North African Muslims, attacked Ghana Fought for 14 years They defeated Ghana, cutting off many trade routes and formed new trading partnerships with Muslim leaders Overgrazing Almoravids brought herds of animals These animals ate all the grass in many pastures, leaving soil exposed to hot desert wind, leaving the soil worthless to farm

Internal Rebellion The people of a country Ghana had conquered rose up in rebellion Within a few years these rebels had taken over the entire empire of Ghana Eventually, these rebels could not maintain order, were attacked and defeated, and the empire fell apart