Unlocking The Rich History & Culture Of The Kingdom Of Ghana
Nestled in the heart of West Africa lies a nation with a history as vast and rich as the golden treasures it once traded. The Kingdom of Ghana, not to be confused with the modern country of the same name, was a medieval African empire that flourished from the 4th to the 13th century.
Within this week’s blog, we unlock the rich history and culture of the Kingdom of Ghana, so here is everything you need to know…
The Golden Age: Unveiling The Kingdom Of Ghana’s Past…
It may not shock you to know that the Kingdom of Ghana itself had no written language which means that modern day historians now rely so much on historic reports of other areas, archaeological evidence, and their interpretation of these sources. All of which can be hard to create clear conclusions about the Kingdom’s culture.
In fact, most information comes from the account of geographer, Al-Bakri who wrote a text called “Roads and Kingdoms” which is one of only two texts to survive.
Based on what we do know, the story of the Kingdom of Ghana begins around the 4th century when a group of Soninke people established a powerful kingdom in the region, under their very first king, Dingha Cisse. At this time, there was a feudal government with local kings who paid tribute to the high king but ruled their lands as they saw fit.
By the 9th century, the Kingdom of Ghana was so rich that their dogs and horses wore gold collars and silken rope halters and regularly slept on plush carpets. Based on this information alone, the Kingdom of Ghana soon became the region hosting some of the richest men in the world.
So Where Was The Kingdom Of Ghana?
The Kingdom of Ghana isn’t the same country as what we know Ghana to be today. The Empire of Ghana was in Western Africa in what in present day is the countries of Mali, Senegal and Mauritania.
The capital of Ancient Ghana was Koumbi Saleh where the King of Ghana lived in his royal palace. It is here in the capital, that archaeologists suspected up to 20,000 people resided.
More About The Land Of Gold…
Ghana was known as the “Land of Gold” which is one of the reasons why the Kingdom became so wealthy as they traded gold throughout Africa. The people of Ghana helped invent new ways to mine gold and iron which again made the Kingdom so wealthy.
The iron was used to produce weapons and tools and the gold was used to trade with other nations for much needed resources such as livestock.
Most people living in the empire at the time were farmers, and each family was allocated a portion of the land by the local village leader.
At the time “Ghana” was the word that Soninke people used for their King, as it translated to “Warrior King”. People outside of the empire also used this, but instead to describe the region itself. The King was the leader of all leaders, and his word was law. He served as the commander of an organised army, controller of trade activities and administrator of justice. This is what set the empire apart from other civilisations as they had an advanced system of governance.
Trade & Cultural Exchange In The Kingdom Of Ghana…
The King of Ghana held a monopoly on trade of gold nuggets found in the empire’s land allowing the empire to accumulate more wealth and develop a highly organised society, especially since imports and exports were both taxed. Alongside the sale of gold, the Kingdom of Ghana’s trade also included the selling of ivory and textiles.
Ghana’s strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes meant merchants from North Africa and the Middle East flocked to Ghana, bringing goods, ideas, cultural practises and religions. This no doubt left a mark on the Kingdom’s culture influencing art and societal norms.
The Decline Of The Kingdom…
Despite its wealth and prosperity, the Kingdom of Ghana faced internal and external pressures that eventually led to its decline. Internal conflicts, coupled with external invasions in the 11th century, weakened the once-mighty empire.
By the 13th century, the Kingdom of Ghana had succumbed to the sands of time, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire future African kingdoms.
Time To Visit Modern Day Ghana?
Unlocking the rich history and culture of the Kingdom of Ghana reveals a story of economic prowess, sophisticated governance, and cultural vibrancy. As we delve into the annals of this ancient kingdom, we gain a deeper understanding of Africa’s historical contributions to the world.
The Kingdom of Ghana stands as a testament to the resilience and brilliance of African civilisations, inviting us to appreciate the complexities of a history that stretches far beyond the textbooks.
Why not come and visit modern day Ghana and stay at the prestigious Perriman Hotel? Our carefully curated room facilities are designed to make your stay a seamless blend of relaxation and convenience. Step into luxury at our beautiful hotel and book a room today by getting in touch with our team via our contact form here or by calling +233 (0) 30 397 7324.