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.
The Songhai Empire
The ancient empires phase of West African history came first
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.
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.
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.
Salt and Gold
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.
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 "Great Three" West African empires were Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
The people that carried goods from Europe to west African empires were Portuguese people.
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.
salt and gold
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
The Songhai Empire
You're suppose to tell me
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.