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.

Explore the rich history of West Africa, focusing on the Ghana Empire's rise due to abundant resources and strategic trade routes. Learn how powerful kingdoms like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai emerged and the eventual decline of Ghana influenced by external pressures and trade disruptions. Delve into the intersections of trade and religion in shaping West African history.