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The Ghana Empire that flourished from 750 to 1076 AD was one of the most prominent empires of Western Africa in the ancient times. The Ghana Empire covered an area that spread from Mauritania to Senegal including the western parts of Mali. The Ghana Empire became rich by trading in salt and gold.
It is interesting to note that the ancient empire of Ghana was in no ways related to modern Ghana. The entire stretch of the Ghana Empire was 500 miles away from modern-day Ghana. The earliest settlers of Ghana Empire belonged to the Soninke clan.
At the center of prosperity of the Ghana Empire was the trade and commerce that flourished on the basis of the gold reserve of the empire. The mixed economy of Ghana Empire consisted of extensive agriculture, carpentry, pottery, iron smelting, gold smiting and cloth manufacturing. The main goods traded were salt, copper, gold and slaves.
Between 1180 and 1230, the Soso people controlled the southern part of the Ghanaian empire but Almoravid conquest halted the growth of the empire. The legacy of the Sahelien Empire was later followed by Malian Empire.
Numerous reasons are responsible for the decline of ancient Empire of Ghana. The empire lost its trading monopoly. Drought conditions also severely affected the economy. Taking advantage of the situation, the Almoravid Muslims invaded the country resulting to the decline of the empire. After the collapse of the empire of Ghana due to internal disputes and revolts, Mali rose to power under the leadership of great king Sundiata. By 1240, it ceased to be an independent state. Restriction on gold availability imposed during the reign of Ghana Empire was ruled out by the Malian Empire.
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