Ghana Controls the Gold-Salt Trade
This Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive explains how the Ghana Empire grew wealthy by controlling the gold-salt trade across West Africa, covered in Chapter 7: African Civilizations. Students learn how Ghana's army protected trade caravans and collected taxes on goods as a middleman between gold-rich southern lands and salt-rich northern Saharan traders.
Key Concepts
West Africa had rich gold mines, but its people needed salt to survive in the hot climate. In the Sahara desert to the north, traders had plenty of salt. This imbalance created the opportunity for the gold salt trade .
The Ghana Empire controlled the land between the gold and salt regions. Its powerful army protected trade caravans from bandits. In return for safe passage, traders had to pay a tax on their goods. This role as a middleman made the empire incredibly wealthy.
Common Questions
How did Ghana control the gold-salt trade?
The Ghana Empire was located between West Africa's gold mines and the Sahara's salt supplies. Ghana's powerful army protected trade caravans from bandits and collected taxes on their goods in exchange for safe passage, making the empire incredibly wealthy.
Why was the gold-salt trade important in West Africa?
West Africa had rich gold mines but needed salt to survive in the hot climate, while Saharan traders had plenty of salt. This imbalance created the opportunity for the gold-salt trade, which the Ghana Empire controlled and profited from.
How did the Ghana Empire become wealthy?
Ghana became wealthy by acting as a middleman in the gold-salt trade. Its army protected caravans and collected taxes on goods passing through its territory, giving the empire control over trade routes and great riches.
What chapter covers the Ghana Empire in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7?
The Ghana Empire and the gold-salt trade are covered in Chapter 7: African Civilizations in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 7.
What role did Ghana's army play in the gold-salt trade?
Ghana's powerful army protected trade caravans from bandits along dangerous routes. Traders paid a tax on their goods for this protection, which was the primary source of Ghana Empire's wealth.