WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Ghana and Mali were both located at the center of the Trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold and salt were two of the most valuable resources traded. By controlling trade and taxing traders, the empires of Ghana and Mali became wealthy and powerful. The Trans-Saharan trade routes also spread Islam throughout Africa.

Detailed explanation-2: -Salt and Gold: Mali’s Trade Routes Of the three, salt and gold were the most significant (and best remembered). Their allure had catalysed the development of the empire itself: Malian authority was established through the migration of the Malinke (also called the Mandinka), who moved west in search of salt and gold.

Detailed explanation-3: -Ghana’s military power allowed it to control the trade of gold and salt. Kings of Ghana used the military to dominate those who produced and traded the salt and gold. Control of the trade allowed the Kings of Ghana to pay for a large army. These wealthy kings also could afford to equip their soldiers with iron weapons.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were three of the greatest western African trading states. These three Western African states dominated the trade of gold, salt, and merchandise between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.