Back to: History JSS 2
Welcome to class!
Hello, my amazing JSS 1 student! I’m so glad you’re back for another exciting journey into the past. Today, we’re going to explore the location of a powerful and influential empire on the map of Africa: the Ghana Empire!
Location of Ghana Empire on the Map of Africa
Have you ever heard of the Ghana Empire? It was one of the earliest and most important empires in West Africa, flourishing between the 7th and 13th centuries. It wasn’t located in the same place as the modern-day country of Ghana. Instead, it was situated further north and west, in a region that now encompasses parts of southeastern Mauritania and western Mali.
Imagine the map of Africa. The Ghana Empire was located in the western part of the continent, in the Sahel region, which is a semi-arid zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile lands to the south. This location was strategic for controlling trade routes across the Sahara.
The Ghana Empire was perfectly positioned to benefit from the trans-Saharan trade, particularly the trade in gold and salt. Gold came from the south, and salt was mined in the Sahara. The Ghana Empire acted as a middleman, controlling the flow of these valuable commodities and taxing them as they passed through their territory. This made the empire incredibly wealthy and powerful.
The capital of the Ghana Empire is believed to have been Koumbi Saleh, a city located in present-day Mauritania. This city was a major center of trade and culture, attracting merchants and scholars from across the region.
The Ghana Empire’s location in the Sahel also meant that it was exposed to the challenges of a semi-arid environment, including drought and desertification. These environmental factors may have contributed to the empire’s eventual decline.
It’s important to remember that the Ghana Empire was not directly related to the modern-day country of Ghana. The modern country adopted the name “Ghana” in the 20th century to honor the legacy of this ancient empire, but they are distinct entities.
So, when you look at the map of Africa, remember that the Ghana Empire was located in the western part of the continent, in the Sahel region, in parts of present-day Mauritania and Mali. Its strategic location allowed it to control trade routes and become a major power in West Africa.
Now, let’s test your understanding. Can you point to the general area on a map of Africa where the Ghana Empire was located? What were some of the advantages and challenges of its location?
Fantastic work! You’re doing a wonderful job exploring the history of Africa. Remember, understanding the location of historical empires helps us understand their development, their interactions with other regions, and their place in the broader context of African history. I’m excited to continue this exploration with you in our next lesson!
School Owner? Looking for ready-made content and tools to save time and grow easily? Book a free demo session nowGet more class notes, videos, homework help, exam practice on Android [DOWNLOAD]
Get more class notes, videos, homework help, exam practice on iPhone [DOWNLOAD]