DAY 19: AFRICAN KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES

Favour Samuel
@favoursamuel013556
2 days ago

Let's delve into the history of ancient Ghana, also known as the Wagadou Empire, and explore one of its most important sites:

Koumbi Saleh: This historic city served as the capital of the ancient Ghana Empire and was a thriving center of trade, culture, and politics. Koumbi Saleh was located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, in present-day Mauritania.
The city was divided into two parts: the Muslim northern part and the animist southern part.


Koumbi Saleh was a key center of trans-Saharan trade, where traders from across West Africa and North Africa would come to exchange gold, salt, and other goods.
The empire's wealth and power were legendary, and its gold mines were said to produce so much gold that they were known as the "Mines of Solomon."
Koumbi Saleh was also a center of Islamic scholarship and culture, and the city had several mosques and Islamic schools.


The Ghana Empire reached the peak of its power in the 11th century, when it controlled most of present-day Senegal, Mauritania, and parts of Mali.
However, the empire began to decline in the 12th century due to internal conflicts and the rise of rival kingdoms, such as the Mali Empire.
Koumbi Saleh was eventually abandoned in the 13th century, but its legacy lives on as an important symbol of African history and culture. The ruins of the city are still visible today, including the remnants of mosques, homes, and other structures.


In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the history of ancient Ghana and Koumbi Saleh, and archaeologists and historians are continuing to study the site and learn more about this fascinating civilization.
Koumbi Saleh is an important reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Africa and the important role that the continent has played in shaping the history of the world.
For anyone interested in exploring the roots of African history and culture, Koumbi Saleh is a must-see destination, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the legacy of one of the most powerful and influential empires in African history.


NB: The Ghana Empire (3rd-13th centuries) indeed existed in what is now modern-day Ghana and surrounding regions. However, its capital, Koumbi Saleh, is located in Mauritania due to historical and geographical reasons.
So, while Koumbi Saleh is in Mauritania today, it was once the capital of the ancient Ghana Empire, which spanned across several modern-day countries.


IMAGE CREDIT: Pinterest

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📍Koumbi Salèh, Mauritania

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