INTRODUCTION
The kingdom of Ghana( meaning Warrior King) was founded around the year 750. It developed in the region between the Senegal and Niger Rivers. The people of Ghana used their ability to make iron swords, spears and lances to subdue neighboring people and to gain control over West Africa's main trade routes.
Caravans brought salt south to Ghana, and returned north with gold from areas southwest of Ghana. The power of the kings of Ghana rested on their ability to tax all trade passing through the region. With these rich revenues, they were able to raise a large army and fine cavalry. |
Achievements and Advancements
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Ghana was extremely wealthy, often being referred to as the "Land of Gold." They controlled the trade route between gold and salt mines and offered protection to the traders in exchange for gold nuggets.
The King (also called Ghana) received the nuggets and only allowed gold dust to be traded. In addition to the nuggets they also taxed the salt being traded. Ancient Ghana discovered iron and used it to make more effective tools and weapons. As a result, Ghana became a more powerful empire and had greater control over the trade routes. They also utilized the camel for their trading endeavors with other kingdoms. |
Culture, (Language, Religion, and Art)
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Ghana was influenced by Arab traders and was actually divided into two towns, one being Muslim, the other housing the king and traditional society.
The traditional society was pagan and worshiped idols. (Polytheistic) However, many of the king's officials were Muslim so Arabic writing was used to record information. Also, Arab architecture, such as mosques, were present in the Muslim town. Although some schools were in existence, much of the education was passed down through storytellers. In the evening, people would gather around to hear the griots (story tellers)and would learn about their traditions. Ghana produced beautiful fabrics. They used mud to make designs on cloth and then they let the sun bake the mud, creating a permanent design in the fabric. |
Leaders (accomplishments)
The empire was ruled by semi-divine king who took the title of "Ghana." Perhaps the greatest ruler was Ghana Tenkamenin, who ruled from 1062-1076 CE. Tenkamenin carefully managed the gold trade route and the empire's economy flourished. He controlled a 200,000 man army, 40,000 of which were bowmen, and maintained order. Tenkamenin would also go out into his kingdom and personally listen to the concerns of all of his subjects.
Economics
Ancient Ghanians were very wealthy, due to their control over Western Africa's trade. The gold mines were in the south and the salt mines were in the north. Being located between these two was a huge advantage. Aside from taxes, the kingdom would gain money through silent bartering.
Gold would be left at a special place for traders to take. If ample goods were not left in exchange, trade would be stopped. Rather than take advantage of this, most traders would leave more than enough goods in return. They were afraid that powerful Ghana would close them off. |
Demise
Around the 12th century, a drought hit the kingdom. Most of the resources the area depended on, especially gold mining were cut short. The drought had a large affect on how the land could be used. What was once a fertile place brimming with cattle, sheep and goats, became dry and dead. Ghana slowly lost all of their trading power. The gold was mined in other places and the economy went elsewhere. Nearby civilizations began to attack the failing empire, starting with the Sosso people. In 1235, the Mali empire officially took over.
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"The King adorns himself... wearing necklaces and bracelets... The court of appeal is held in a domed pavilion around which stand ten horses with gold embroidered trappings. Behind the king stand ten pages holding shields and swords decorated with gold, and on his right are the sons of the subordinate (lower) kings of his country, all wearing splendid garments and with their hair mixed with gold."
Al-Bakri, quoted in Africa in the Days of Exploration
Al-Bakri, quoted in Africa in the Days of Exploration