Kumbi Saleh

Kumbi Saleh was the capital of the medieval empire of Ghana, located in present-day southeastern Mauritania near the Senegal border. Flourishing from the 9th to 13th centuries, it was a major trading hub that connected African gold mines to Mediterranean markets. The city had a unique dual structure featuring a royal city and a larger commercial area, showcasing advanced urban planning. Kumbi Saleh was renowned for its wealth, including gold and salt trade, and it attracted merchants and travelers from various regions, contributing to cultural exchange and the spread of Islam in West Africa.