GHANA EMPIRE CHARACTERISTICS

The Ghana Empire was a powerful West African state that flourished from around the 6th to the 13th century CE. Here are some of the key characteristics of the Ghana Empire:

1. Wealth: The Ghana Empire was known for its vast wealth, which was mainly derived from its control of the trans-Saharan trade routes. The empire was a major hub for the trade of gold, salt, ivory, and slaves, which made Ghana one of the richest states in West Africa.
2. Political organization: The Ghana Empire was organized as a centralized state, with a king or ruler at the top. The king was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the administration of justice.
3. Religion: The people of the Ghana Empire were primarily animist, which means they believed in the existence of spirits and gods in nature. Islam also played a significant role in the empire, as Arab traders introduced the religion and some Ghanaian rulers converted to Islam.
4. Art and architecture: The Ghana Empire is known for its impressive architecture and art. The empire had several capital cities, including Kumbi Saleh, which was a thriving center of trade and culture. The empire’s artists produced beautiful sculptures, textiles, and jewelry, many of which have survived to this day.
5. Military strength: The Ghana Empire had a powerful army, which was composed of soldiers on horseback and foot. The empire was able to defend its borders against invaders and expand its territory through conquest.
6. Social structure: The society of the Ghana Empire was hierarchical, with the ruling class at the top and commoners at the bottom. Slavery was also a common practice in the empire, with many of the slaves being prisoners of war.
7. Education: The Ghana Empire had a system of education, with students being taught by Muslim scholars in Arabic. This helped to spread Islamic culture and learning throughout West Africa.