The Ghana Empire (circa 300–1200 CE), also known as the Wagadou Empire, was a powerful West African state that thrived due to its control over gold mines and trade routes. Here’s an overview of its gold mining and economic significance:
1. Gold Mining in the Ghana Empire
– The empire did not directly mine gold but controlled regions where gold was abundant, particularly in the Bambuk (modern Senegal-Mali border) and Bure (modern Guinea) goldfields.
– Gold was extracted by local tribes (such as the Soninke) through alluvial mining—panning riverbeds and digging shallow pits.
– The empire taxed gold production and trade, making it a key source of wealth.
2. Role of Gold in Trade
– Ghana acted as a middleman in the trans-Saharan gold trade, exchanging gold for salt, textiles, and other goods from North Africa.
– Arab traders (e.g., from the Almoravid dynasty) recorded Ghana’s immense wealth, with some accounts claiming the king’s throne sat on a golden nugget.
– Gold 
t (not coins) was used as currency within the empire.
3. Decline & Legacy
– The empire weakened due to droughts, overexpansion, and attacks by the Almoravids (11th century).
– Later West African empires like Mali (famous for Mansa Musa’s gold) inherited and expanded these trade networks.
– Modern-day Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast) was named after this ancient empire due to its historical association with gold.
Key Archaeological Sites
– While no major mines from the Ghana Empire have been excavated, areas like:
– Bambuk & Bure Goldfields – Primary sources of gold.
– Koumbi Saleh – Alleged capital with evidence of trade wealth.
Would you like details on specific mining techniques or trade routes?
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