Trade across Ghana
Trade already existed in Africa before 200 A.D, but was not used because the harsh desert conditions. The animals used commonly for trade, ox, donkeys, and horses, could not travel far unless they had water or rest. In 300 A.D, traders from Berber started using camels. Camels could travel 60 mile sin a day, and could go 10 days without needing water. They were twice as efficient as other pack animals. Because of the camel, trade increased across the desert. Traders had to cross the land of the Soninke people, who called their ruler "Ghana". All this trade occurring across Ghana had the rulers growing rich by taxing the goods.
Gold-Salt Trade
The 2 most important trade items were gold and salt. The gold came from a place between the Niger and Senegal rivers, which was a forest region south of the savanna. The gold was dug from holes up to 100 feet deep or from fast-moving streams. Until 1350, 2/3 of the world's gold came from West Africa.
While West Africa was rich in gold, it did not have salt, which was needed for human life. Lots of salt was in the Sahara. Arab and Berber traders crossed the deserts with caravans pulled by camels loaded with salt. They also carried other stuff, like cloth, weapons, and manufactured goods. Their destination as the market towns of the savanna. The people with the gold brought it north from the forest region.
All this trade was highly supervised. Royal guards protected traders from bandits looking to steal goods. Merchants also had to meet in trade cities. Here, they exchanged goods under the watch of the king's tax collector. Royal officials made sure that all traders weighed goods and did business lawfully.
All this trade was highly supervised. Royal guards protected traders from bandits looking to steal goods. Merchants also had to meet in trade cities. Here, they exchanged goods under the watch of the king's tax collector. Royal officials made sure that all traders weighed goods and did business lawfully.