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The Ghana Empire, also known as the Wagadou Empire, was a powerful West African kingdom that flourished from the 8th to the 13th centuries CE. Located in what is now southern Mauritania and western Mali, it controlled vital trade routes across the Sahara Desert, linking North Africa with the gold-rich regions of West Africa.
The empire’s wealth was derived primarily from taxing the trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, ivory, and slaves. Its capital, Koumbi Saleh, was a major commercial center and a cosmopolitan city inhabited by diverse populations, including Berbers, Arabs, and Soninke people.
The Ghana Empire’s influence extended far beyond its borders. Its powerful army, equipped with iron weapons and cavalry, protected trade routes and maintained order. The empire’s kings were renowned for their wealth and generosity, often showering visitors with gifts of gold.
However, the Ghana Empire’s prosperity eventually attracted the attention of neighboring empires. In the 11th century, the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty from North Africa, launched a series of invasions that weakened the empire. By the 13th century, the Ghana Empire had declined, and its territory was absorbed by the rising Mali Empire.
Despite its eventual demise, the Ghana Empire left a lasting legacy. It played a crucial role in the development of West African civilization, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and the growth of powerful kingdoms. The name “Ghana,” adopted by the modern West African nation, serves as a reminder of this once-great empire.
