It was exloited
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
GHANA AND MALI
Early empires gained wealth and power by trading slaves, gold, and ivory.
Early empires gained wealth and power by trading slaves, gold, and ivory.
The Mali Empire and the Ghana Empire were the two West African empires that became wealthy from trading salt and gold. The Ghana Empire lasted from c. 400 to c. 1200.
b salt
By trading gold, salt etc. And the king was a real gentleman. there was No poverty no crime. (probable he equalised everyones wealth)
The three prominent trading empires were the Mali Empire, the Songhai Empire, and the Ghana Empire in West Africa. These empires thrived from the 9th to the 16th centuries, primarily due to their control over trans-Saharan trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods. Their wealth and influence were significantly bolstered by the trade of these valuable resources, contributing to their cultural and political power in the region.
Two advantages in the silent barter system was that , it did not expose the location of gold mines and , it was a more peaceful way of trading.
The main sources of wealth and power of all the West African empires was the armies they built whose superior iron weapons let them take control of the trade in salt and gold.
They were useful sources of gold & spices and a medium for trading. (i.e. They could utilize them as middlemen) Also, there were slaves they could obtain through these nations.
Gold edition is that you get The War Chiefs in bonus. I personally recommend it.