Ghana’s Trading Empire

Silent Bartering Process in which people exchange goods without contacting each other directly Salt traders from north left slabs of salt on the riverbank Gold miners from south left what they thought was a fair amount of gold Why?

Silent Bartering Peaceful Kept gold mines secret

Results – Gold/Salt Trade Increase trade Increase power of Ghana’s rulers (equipped with iron weapons) Ghana took control over trade from North African merchants Added other items: wheat, sheep, cattle, honey, leather, and cloth Result: Ghana became prosperous

West African Empire By A.D. 800 – Ghana controlled trade in West Africa Army protected routes Led to …. WEALTH

HMMM….. More and more traders More profit Tax – goods imported Tax – Neighboring tribes Tax – people of Ghana Tax – goods exported

Wealthy Rulers Showed King was wealthier than his subjects! Rulers kept gold for themselves Prohibited people from owning gold nuggets; only gold dust Why? Showed King was wealthier than his subjects!

Controlling the Empire Army – conquered neighboring tribes Protected trade routes Governors (mansas) – local rulers who remained loyal to king

Tunka Manin Empire peaked Lavish/displayed wealth for all to see Nephew of a previous king – Basi Kingship was passed from uncle to nephew (only king’s sister’s son could inherit the throne) Learned about Tunka from Muslim geographer

Decline mid 1000s - Ghana was rich and powerful By 1200s – Empire had declined Why?

#1 - Invasion Almoravids – North African Muslims attacked 1060s In 14 years – defeated Ghana Control was short lived but… -cut off trade routes -formed new partnerships with Muslim leaders Without trade – could not support empire

#2 - Overgrazing Almoravids brought herds of animals with them Ate grass – left soil exposed to hot desert winds Result…. Farmers had to leave and find new homes

#3 – Internal Rebellion 1200 – conquered people rebelled Within a few years rebels had taken over the entire Empire However…. Rebels could not keep order …..

Ghana was conquered by other groups…

The Great Mosque of Djenne is the largest mud brick building in the world

Nara Nara