Ancient Ghana, often called the Kingdom of Wagadu, thrived from around the 8th to 11th centuries as a major hub for trans-Saharan trade, especially in gold and salt. Becoming a center for trade brought immense wealth to its rulers through direct commerce and heavy taxation on merchants passing through.

Key Trade Results

This economic boom had several direct outcomes:

  • Enormous wealth accumulation : Kings controlled gold trade and imposed taxes (e.g., one gold dinar on salt imports), making Koumbi Saleh the richest city in West Africa.
  • City growth and infrastructure : The capital expanded into dual towns—one for Muslim traders, one for Soninke rulers—protected by stone walls, fostering urban development.
  • Powerful military : Trade revenues funded a strong army, enhancing Ghana's regional dominance.

Cultural Impacts

Trade didn't just enrich; it transformed society.

  • Ghana attracted Arab, Berber, and local traders, supporting a diversity of languages, cultures, and religions —the most accurate result among common options like those in quizzes.
  • Kings surrounded themselves with merchant-advisors, blending commerce with governance.
  • Agriculture along the Niger River complemented trade, sustaining a growing population.

Common Quiz Answer

If choosing from typical multiple-choice (e.g., "It supported a diversity of languages, cultures, and religions"), that's the standout result—trade hubs naturally mix peoples and ideas, unlike weakening kings or over-relying on gold. Others like Portuguese involvement are anachronistic (centuries later).

TL;DR : Trade made Ghana wealthy and culturally diverse, with the latter as a top result in educational contexts.

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