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West African empires, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, gained power primarily through control of trade routes and valuable resources, particularly gold and salt. They established strong centralized governments that facilitated trade and collected taxes, which helped to fund their armies and infrastructure. Additionally, the empires benefited from agricultural surplus and the integration of Islam, which enhanced trade connections with North Africa and the Mediterranean. This combination of economic strength, military power, and cultural exchange contributed to their dominance in the region.

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The most powerful of the west African empires was?

The Songhai Empire


Which phase of West African history came first?

The ancient empires phase of West African history came first


Which brought an end to the great West African empires?

The great West African empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, declined primarily due to a combination of internal strife, external invasions, and economic changes. The rise of European colonial powers and the transatlantic slave trade further destabilized these empires, leading to weakened trade routes and loss of resources. Additionally, the shift in trade patterns towards coastal regions diminished their economic power. Ultimately, these factors contributed to the fragmentation and decline of these once-mighty empires.


Which countries became a major trading partner with west African empires in the late 1400s?

Only one country (namely Portugal) had any dealings with West African coast countries at the time. Portugal hoped to find gold there, and wanted to find the mystical Kingdom of Priest John, which turned out not to exist. Calling Portugal a "major trading partner of West African empires" would be a vast overstatement. They got out some gold in exchange for iron tools, cloth etcetra but that was about it. Further travels along the West African coast by the Portuguese all had the purpose of finding a route to Asia.


Where was the west African source of gold located?

The West African source of gold was primarily located in the regions of the Sahel, particularly in what is now modern-day Mali and Ghana. The famous Ghana Empire, along with the Mali Empire, was known for its rich gold mines, particularly in places like Bambuk and Bure. These areas became central to trade routes and contributed significantly to the wealth and power of the empires in the region.

Related Questions

What 2 resources did West African empires trade to gain wealth?

Salt and Gold


What was the main source of the wealth and power of all the west african empires?

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.


How did early early empires in west gain wealth and power?

Early empires gained wealth and power by trading slaves, gold, and ivory.


Did early empires in west Africa gain wealth and power?

Early empires gained wealth and power by trading slaves, gold, and ivory.


The Great Three West African empires were what?

The "Great Three" West African empires were Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.


Who where the people who carried goods from Europe to west African Empires?

The people that carried goods from Europe to west African empires were Portuguese people.


What was the wealthy west African kingdom of the 1400s?

In the 1400's West Africa had been the home of several West African empires. Some historians use the term Mali Empire to designate the Islamic empires of the 1400's. Power changed hands several times in the 14th and 15th centuries. These empires' wealth came from gold.


What did West African Empires trade?

salt and gold


The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading salt and?

The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.


The most powerful of the west African empires was?

The Songhai Empire


What did the west African empires trade?

You're suppose to tell me


What was the main source of the wealth and power of all the west African empire?

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.