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Peak of the Ghana Empire gold trade

Type Event Region West Africa Time 901–1000

In the 10th century, the Ghana Empire controlled West African goldfields and trans-Saharan trade routes, with Koumbi Saleh as its capital, accumulati…

Timeline

  1. 901–950Upper Senegal River · SahelThe kingdom of Ghana controlled gold-producing regions such as Wangara through force and diplomacy, levying heavy taxes on gold mining and export, while also controlling the north-south trade routes running through the Sahel, making gold the core source of national wealth.
  2. 920–1000Awdaghust · MauritaniaCamel caravans brought salt, cloth, and copper goods from North Africa in exchange for West African gold and slaves; trading posts such as Awdaghust became transshipment hubs. Trade taxes and customs duties provided the Ghana royal house with steady income.
  3. 950–990Koumbi Saleh · SahelArab geographers such as al-Ya'qubi and Ibn Hawqal recorded that the king of Ghana possessed thousands of cavalry and enormous quantities of gold; the capital Koumbi Saleh was densely populated and commercially prosperous, making it one of the most powerful states in medieval West Africa.

Sources