The Kingdom of Ghana was a medieval African civilization located in what is now Mauritania
and western Mali. The empire's access to gold allowed it to trade for a variety of other
resources, speci0cally salt. This informational text provides further speci0cs regarding the
trading practices and politics of this great empire. As you read, identify the reasons why the
Kingdom of Ghana became powerful and the reasons why this powerful kingdom fell.
It might seem hard to believe today, but salt
was once worth its weight in gold, and the
balance between these two precious
resources determined life for hundreds of
thousands in medieval African civilizations.
Between the 9th and 11th centuries A.D., the
kingdom of Ghana was so rich that its dogs
wore golden collars, and its horses were
adorned with silken rope halters1 and slept
on plush carpets. Based on animal luxuries
alone, it is no wonder that foreigners touted2
Ghana’s kings as the richest men in the world.
Certainly they were living the high life... but
how did they do it?
Located within the present-day borders of Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal, medieval Ghana
literally sat on a gold mine. The land’s abundance of resources allowed Ghana’s rulers to
engage in years of prosperous3 trading — often for salt! Strategic governing coupled with great
location led to the rapid emergence of a very wealthy empire.
[1]
1. A “halter” is a rope or strap with a loop placed around the head of a horse or another
animal, used for leading or tethering it.
2. Tout (verb) to talk about (something or someone) as being very good, eLective, skillful, etc.
3. Prosperous (adjective) wealthy or successful
1
Gold in Wagadugu
Most of what we know about ancient Ghana — which is more accurately called Wagadugu — is
based on writings of Arab travelers who came in contact with the nation’s peoples. “Ghana” was
actually the title given to Wagadugu kings and was used by the Islamic “reporters” to describe
the rich and mysterious place they observed.
Evidence of Ghana’s occupation dates back to the 4th century. But it was several hundred years
later that the Soninke tribe established Ghana as a nation. Soninke leaders have been credited
with the early strengthening of the Wagadugu state and the expansion of its territories.
By 1000 A.D., the nation had undergone strategic expansion and taken control of a large pocket
of land between the upper Niger and Senegal Rivers. The region was rich in gold, and its
acquisition4 meant that Ghana would become a leading force in the trans-Saharan trade
network.
Ghanaian Politics
The leader of all leaders was the king, who was also known as the ghana, or war chief. His word
was law. He served as the commander in chief of a highly organized army, the controller of all
trade activities, and the head administrator of justice. Mayors, civil servants, counselors, and
ministers were appointed by the king to assist with administrative duties — but at all times, the
king was in charge.
Each day, the king assembled his court and allowed people to publicly voice their complaints.
Beating drums resounded throughout the area signaling the court’s assemblage, and people
gathered to speak their minds. The king listened to complaints and gave his judgment.
Such hearings were reportedly peaceful, unless they involved issues of a criminal nature. Two
of the most serious criminal oLenses were denying debt and shedding blood. These crimes
were tried by a unique trial. According to Islamic reports, the criminally accused was given a
foul concoction to drink that consisted of sour and bitter-tasting wood and water. If he vomited
after tossing back the nasty brew, he was declared innocent and was congratulated for passing
the test. If he did not vomit, and the beverage remained within, he was considered guilty as
charged and suLered the king’s wrath.
Ghanaian citizens were not the only ones put to the king’s test. Inhabitants of its conquered
lands were examined for their good behavior and loyalty as well. In territories where order and
obedience prevailed5 and taxes were properly paid, autonomy6 was granted. But in areas that
[5]
[10]
4. Acquisition (noun) the act of acquiring or gaining possession
2
struggled for independence or deMed the king’s laws, Ghanaian governors were appointed as
watchdogs, and little went unreported to the king.
Trans-Saharan Trade
When the king was not busy enforcing his power among the people, he was spreading it
internationally through trade. At its peak, Ghana was chieNy bartering gold, ivory, and slaves for
salt from Arabs. Ghanaians would also buy horses, cloth, swords, and books from North
Africans and Europeans.
New and improved diets around the world, throughout the Middle Ages, demanded salt, and
Ghana was no exception. Salt was necessary for maintaining life, but it was in short supply in
the forests of West Africa. Salt became worth its weight in gold. And since gold was so
abundant7 in the kingdom, Ghana achieved much of its wealth through trade with the Arabs.
Islamic merchants8 traveled over two months through the desert to reach Ghana and do
business. They were taxed for both what they brought in and what they took out.
With this system, it is no wonder that Ghana got rich quickly. The wealth that the kingdom
acquired did not, however, serve in its favor forever. Competition from other states in the gold
trade eventually took its toll.
Jealousy, fear, and anger of Ghana’s power prompted its neighbors to stand up against the
kingdom. Their eLorts were at Mrst weak and insigniMcant, but eventually, in the mid-11th
century, a Muslim group known as the Almoravids launched a devastating invasion on the
capital city of Koumbi Saleh. Though territories were seized, and a tribute tax9 was enforced,
Ghana recovered and forced the invaders to withdraw.
A little less than 200 years later, however, Ghana was not so lucky. Weakened by subsequent10
attacks, and cut-oL from international trade, the kingdom was vulnerable and unable to
prevent defeat. In 1240 A.D., Ghana was absorbed in (critical idea written like a 8th grader and shorten)
The Kingdom of Ghana became powerful because of its abundance of gold resources, strategic location for trade, and strong leadership under the king. The kingdom's access to gold allowed it to trade for essential resources like salt, leading to its wealth and prosperity.
However, the Kingdom of Ghana eventually fell due to competition from other states in the gold trade. Jealousy, fear, and anger from neighboring kingdoms led to attacks and invasions on Ghana. The Almoravids, a Muslim group, launched a devastating invasion on the capital city of Koumbi Saleh in the mid-11th century. This weakened Ghana and cut it off from international trade, ultimately leading to its defeat and absorption by other kingdoms in 1240 A.D.