WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In West Africa, the three most important empires were Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, all of which profited tremendously from the trans-Saharan gold trade.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -The Songhai Empire grew very wealthy thanks to its control of trading posts along the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, including Jenne and Timbuktu. This trade route connected North Africa to South and West Africa. Across these routes, a variety of goods, including foodstuffs, cloth, cowrie shells, and kola nuts flowed.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ghana was located half way between the sources of the two Trans-Saharan trade items: salt from the desert up north and gold from Bambuk to the East.

Detailed explanation-5: -The land between the Upper Niger and Senegal Rivers was rich in gold, which allowed Ghana to become a leading force in the trans-Saharan trade network. The king of Ghana spread his power through trade. Gold, ivory, and slaves were bartered for salt from the Arabs.