Hey Mino, can you tell us a little bit about your heritage 

My family is from Ghana, but  I don't know much about its history. 

Let's go learn!!!!!

TO THE TIME MACHINE!!!

First, ancient Ghana was actually located 400 miles from modern day Ghana. The empire encompasses much of modern day northern Senegal and southern Mauritania

How long has your people been here for Greg?

We are not sure when we first settled, but we know that we've been here since the 6th century up until now, the 13th century!

Where are we going?

We are going to our capital city Koumbi Saleh, also known as the kings town. Did you know that the city was originally two cities, one for the muslims and one for everyone else until they where finally united. 

I heard that the capital has a population of 30,000-45,000 and there were about 6 miles between the two cities before they were connected. 

Where are we now Greg?

We are in  Awdaghust. There are many cathedral mosques. In all the mosques there are teachers of the Koran. Around the town are gardens with date palms.   Awdaghust has wells with water. There are a lot of cattle and sheep. The people of Awdaghust are wealthy. The markets are full of people. Their transactions are in gold. 

Wow Ghana architecture sure is beautiful! 

Traditional Ghanaian architecture was driven by the raw materials available for buildings, such as thatch for roofing and mud and wood for walls. Today, such buildings are rare, although modern architects try to borrow some of their elements when designing and constructing buildings.

Hey what is all this!

Well let me tell you Mino

Akan art is an art form that originated among the Akan people of Southern Ghana. Akan art is known for vibrant artistic traditions, including textiles, sculpture, Akan goldweights, as well as gold and silver jewelry.

Wait Abby I got it!

What is clear, is that the Empire derived power and wealth from gold. And the introduction of the camel in the Trans-Saharan trade boosted the amount of goods that could be transported.

Greg don't worry I'll explain this one

Go Mino you got it! Let me add on! 

Ghana has the richest gold mines on earth. These were situated at Bambuk, on the upper Senegal River. The Soninke also sold slaves, salt and copper, in exchange for textiles, beads and finished goods. 

My turn Abby! The capital of Kumbi Saleh became the focus of all trade, with a systematic form of taxation. Later Awdaghust was another commercial centre. Iron, copper, gold, and ivory were easily accessible to the Niger and Senegal Rivers and their tributaries.