West Africa was abundant in gold. With the expanded trans-Saharan trade network, this gold could be exported in exchange for other goods. The trading itself was conducted by the nomadic Berbers, who resold the gold (and other goods) across Africa and into Egypt. As the trans-saharan trade network grew, however, so did incidents of theft. To protect caravans full of goods, West African rulers established military forces, marking the emergence of the Ghana Empire.

Question

The Ghana Empire, which controlled all access to the region’s goldfields and collected tax revenues on trade, grew extremely wealthy. Its capital city, Koumbi Saleh, boasted a luxurious palace and a sophisticated well and irrigation system—an impressive achievement for such a dry region. The empire flourished for centuries, but by the 11th century, it was in decline.

Which did NOT contribute to the emergence of the Ghana Empire?

A
The expansion of the trans-Saharan trade network

B
The abundance of gold in West Africa

C
The development of Koumbi Saleh’s irrigation system

D
The increase of theft of trading caravans

Answer 1

C. The development of Koumbi Saleh’s irrigation system

While the irrigation system was an important achievement of the Ghana Empire, it did not contribute to the emergence of the empire itself. The emergence was primarily driven by factors such as the expansion of trade networks, the abundance of resources like gold, and the need for protection against theft.