Ghana Empire

The Ghana Empire, existing from around the 6th to 13th centuries, was a powerful West African kingdom known for its wealth and trade. Centered in what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali, it thrived on the trade of gold, salt, and other goods across the Sahara Desert. The empire's capital, Kumbi Saleh, was a bustling trade hub and cultural center. Although not the same as modern Ghana, its influence laid the groundwork for later West African empires, highlighting the importance of trade and cooperation in ancient African societies.