Ghana Empire was an early West African empire that existed from about 300 CE to 1200 CE. It was located in parts of modern Mali and Mauritania. The empire became powerful through control of trade routes across the Sahara Desert.

Gold from the south and salt from the north passed through Ghana’s territory. Traders paid taxes on these goods, which made the empire wealthy. The capital city, Kumbi Saleh, included areas for trade and government.

The Ghana Empire is known as one of the first major empires in West Africa. It is studied through written accounts and archaeological findings.