1. Question # 2 What is needed to create an empire?

2. I. Ghana The first empire to develop in West Africa in 400 A.D. Ghana was located where several trade routs came together-anyone who wanted to used these trade routes had to pay a fee-this made Ghana rich. Ghana made weapons of iron and controlled people who had gold mines.

3. A. Ghana’s Government King relied on a council of ministers As the empire grew-divided empires into provinces-lesser kings governed these. King held power tightly Local rulers had to send their sons to the royal courts. Nobody could trade without the permission of the king. Nobody could own gold nuggets except the king. People had to trade in gold dust. The kingdom was inherited only by the son of the king’s sister.

4. B. The Fall of Ghana Their power declined when gold mines outside Ghana’s control reduced the taxes it collected. Heavy farming depleted the minerals and made it harder to grow enough crops. Constant warfare Rulers accepted Islam In 1200’s the kingdom of Mali conquered what was left of the empire.