The Trading Empire
Ancient Ghana was at the centre of trade in western Africa. Nestled in between fertile crop lands and a large producing salt mine in Taghaza, Ghana was the wealthiest empire in the West. The main trading items included crops, ivory, incenses, pottery, woven baskets, carved masks, and above all salt. Salt was literally worth its weight in gold, and Ghana was swimming in it. Though, the people were only allowed gold dust. Only the king was allowed to have solid gold in any form.
The one thing that was quite amazing about Ghana is the length of their commitment to trade. They domesticated the camel. Now this wasn't only useful to them, but so many other cultures in Africa. There is no record on how they domesticated them, but we for sure know that they did. This made trans-Saharan trade possible and improved their wealth even more.
Another interesting fact about Ghana is one of the few things we know of their religion/mythology is the tale of Biida the Black Snake god. Biida is the god they made a virgin sacrifice to every year to keep their wealth. It is said that during the downfall of the empire, the nobles chose the virgin sacrifice of a women named Siya Yatabare, and her fiance Maadi refused to let her be sacrificed. He went the Bida and cut off his seven heads, who then said:
"I swear by the lord of the seven head, during seven years and seven bad years, and during seven months and seven bad months, during seven days and seven bad days, Wagadu will not receive any rain and any piece of gold." So it was said this is how the empire fell.
Another interesting fact about Ghana is one of the few things we know of their religion/mythology is the tale of Biida the Black Snake god. Biida is the god they made a virgin sacrifice to every year to keep their wealth. It is said that during the downfall of the empire, the nobles chose the virgin sacrifice of a women named Siya Yatabare, and her fiance Maadi refused to let her be sacrificed. He went the Bida and cut off his seven heads, who then said:
"I swear by the lord of the seven head, during seven years and seven bad years, and during seven months and seven bad months, during seven days and seven bad days, Wagadu will not receive any rain and any piece of gold." So it was said this is how the empire fell.