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Peak of the Ghana Empire

Type Event Region Africa Time c. 990–1050

Around 1001 CE, the Ghana Empire (Wagadu) in West Africa was at its height, with Kumbi Saleh as its political center, controlling gold and salt trade…

Timeline

  1. 1001Kumbi Saleh · MauritaniaBy controlling southern gold-producing areas and northern salt supplies, the Ghana Empire levied heavy taxes on trans-Saharan caravans, making Kumbi Saleh a center for caravan assembly and wealth concentration.
  2. c. 1001–1030Ghana Empire core territory · SahelSoninke clans formed a loose alliance under the leadership of the 'Ghana' (king), maintaining suzerainty over neighboring kingdoms through cavalry and a vassal system; Muslim merchants enjoyed trading privileges within the empire but had limited political power.

Sources