The Rise and Fall of the Ghana Empire

West Africa’s Rich Resources

• West Africa had fertile soils and abundant minerals, especially gold and iron.
• Trade routes connected Africa with the Middle East and Asia for centuries.
• Regions with different resources developed trade.

The Rise of West African Kingdoms

• Trade and resources led to the rise of powerful kingdoms in West Africa.
• Berbers controlled early trade routes across the Sahara.
• Three great kingdoms gained control of trade: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

Ghana Empire

• The Ghana Empire was formed around AD 300 by the Soninke people.
• It was located between the Sahara and West Africa’s gold mines.
• Key trade items included salt from the Sahara and gold from Ghana.
• Ghana's rulers taxed traders, gaining wealth and power.
• Islam was introduced through trade with Arab merchants.

The Fall of Ghana

• The Almoravids attacked Ghana in the 1060s to spread Islam.
• Disruption of trade led to Ghana’s decline.
• Ghana's influence faded, but Islam remained a powerful force.

Mali Empire

• The Mali Empire was located on the Niger River, with fertile soil and control of trade.
• It was founded by Sundiata and expanded to include Ghana.
• Mansa Musa, Mali’s most famous ruler, led during the empire’s peak (1312-1337).
• Mali’s cities, like Timbuktu, became centers of trade, education, and religion.

Mansa Musa

• Mansa Musa is considered one of the richest people in history.
• On his pilgrimage to Mecca, Mansa Musa traveled with thousands of people and camels loaded with gold.
• He gave away so much gold that it caused inflation in the regions he passed through.
• Mansa Musa valued learning and brought scholars and architects back to Mali.
• This led to the growth of schools and universities in cities like Timbuktu.
• Mansa Musa commissioned the construction of beautiful mosques and other buildings, shaping the region’s architecture for years to come.
• After his death, his influence on West African trade, education, and religion was lasting.