Early West African kingdoms grew wealthy by exporting what resource
Early West African kingdoms grew wealthy by exporting various resources, but one of the most prominent and valuable resources was gold. West Africa, particularly the region known as the Sahel, was rich in gold deposits which were mined by the indigenous people. These kingdoms, such as the Ghana Empire (6th-13th century), Mali Empire (13th-15th century), and Songhai Empire (15th-16th century), controlled and taxed the gold trade, allowing them to accumulate substantial wealth. Gold was highly sought after by merchants from North Africa, the Mediterranean, and even Europe, who traded it for salt, textiles, horses, and other goods. This trade in gold and other resources facilitated the growth and prosperity of these early West African kingdoms.
Early West African kingdoms, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, grew wealthy by exporting various resources, but one resource that played a significant role in their prosperity was gold. Gold was abundant in the region, particularly in the southern areas near the Niger River and the forests. The kingdoms exploited these gold reserves and established trade networks to export the precious metal to North Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. This gold trade brought great wealth to the West African kingdoms, allowing them to grow prosperous and powerful. Additionally, other resources such as salt, ivory, kola nuts, and slaves were also traded, contributing to their economic success.
Early West African kingdoms grew wealthy by exporting various resources, but one of the most significant resources was gold.
To find this information, you can conduct research using reliable sources such as history books, academic journals, or reputable online sources. Here are the steps you can follow to find the answer:
1. Start by searching for information about the early West African kingdoms. Look for names of specific kingdoms like the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, or Songhai Empire.
2. Once you have identified the specific kingdom you are interested in, look for information on their main sources of wealth or trade goods. This can be found in descriptions of their economies and trading systems.
3. Look for specific details about the resources that were exported by these kingdoms. In the case of West African kingdoms, gold is often mentioned as a significant export.
4. Cross-reference the information you find from different sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. It's always beneficial to consult multiple sources for a well-rounded understanding.
By following these steps, you should be able to ascertain that gold was one of the resources that early West African kingdoms exported to grow their wealth.