1. GHANA Question # 2 What is needed to create an empire?

2. I. Ghana • The first empire to develop in West Africa in 400 A.D. • Ghana was located where several trade routs came together-anyone who wanted to used these trade routes had to pay a fee-this made Ghana rich. • Ghana made weapons of iron and controlled people who had gold mines.

3. A. Ghana’s Government • King relied on a council of ministers • As the empire grew-divided empires into provinces-lesser kings governed these. • King held power tightly • Local rulers had to send their sons to the royal courts. • Nobody could trade without the permission of the king. • Nobody could own gold nuggets except the king. • People had to trade in gold dust. • The kingdom was inherited only by the son of the king’s sister.

4. B. The Fall of Ghana • Their power declined when gold mines outside Ghana’s control reduced the taxes it collected. • Heavy farming depleted the minerals and made it harder to grow enough crops. • Constant warfare • Rulers accepted Islam • In 1200’s the kingdom of Mali conquered what was left of the empire.