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 * Climate and Geographical Factors**
 * Sahara covers most of Ancient Ghana
 * Atlantic Ocean lies approximately 400 km West
 * Sahel belt (semi-arid climate) gave continuous drought which contributed to downfall
 * Ancient Ghana is a separate location then modern Ghana
 * Had some fertile areas and grasslands
 * Ancient Ghana is now located in Southeastern Mauretania
 * Average of 400mm of rainfall per year[[image:ashanti-01x.jpg align="right" caption="http://www.ashantiwarrior.com/ashanti-01x.jpg" link="http://www.ashantiwarrior.com/ashanti-01x.jpg"]]


 * Events and Leaders**
 * Founder and first king - Dinga Cisse - 790's
 * [|Dinga Cisse] named "Ghana" (warrior king)
 * [|Bassi] - 1040 - 1062
 * [|Soumaba Cisse] - 1203-1240
 * [|Armies of 200,000 including 40,000 bowmen, govorned by king Tunka Manin]
 * King was supreme judge


 * Transportation and Weaponry**
 * In trade, donkeys and camels transported goods
 * Most important development in history of North-Western Africa was the[[image:morgie_-_load_edited_copy.jpg width="349" height="202" align="right" caption="http://www.capricornexpedition.com/images/morgie_-_load_edited_copy.jpg" link="http://www.capricornexpedition.com/images/morgie_-_load_edited_copy.jpg"]] use of camel as transport
 * Camels were the best transport because:
 * can carry huge loads for long distances
 * can keep footing in sandy terrain
 * don't need much water or food
 * Transportation was mainly over land (desert)


 * Agriculture and Economy**
 * Economy based mostly on trade: gold, salt, copper
 * Many fine houses, buildings, and markets
 * Many Mosques were erected because of the muslim influences
 * King levied taxes on all imported and exported salt and copper
 * Trade in human being was minimal, but existed (slavery)
 * Kingdom of Ghana later expanded into Ghana Empire because of conquered chieftaincies and tribute from surrounding states
 * Most of Ghana's power came from trade [[image:ghana_house.jpg width="359" height="241" align="right" link="http://ancientafricad.wikispaces.com/file/view/ghana_house.jpg"]]
 * [|Common professions include traders, farmers, blacksmiths, soldiers, griots (storytellers)]
 * [|Crops include yams, beans, rice, onions, sorghum, millet, papaya, gourds, peanuts]
 * [|Livestock included cattle, sheep, goats, chicken]
 * [|Other agriculture included cotton]


 * Socio-Political Structure**
 * King's religion is paganism (worshipped idols)
 * Ghanaians from the North were muslim
 * Govornment was monarchy
 * Kingship was matrilineal: kings sister provided heir to throne


 * Art, Literature and Music**
 * Used drums ([|duba] ) for royal and everyday events
 * Religion was mostly paganism, but some islamic muslims existed
 * Lots of low-fire pottery mainly for practical use
 * Snake was a common image used in art
 * Snake was an object of worship; the Bida'a, a mythical water serpent of the Niger River
 * In literature, the Koran was an important book for islamic reasons
 * [|Famous fables include Anansi the Spider stories]
 * Art included mask making,[|colorful cotton fabric]
 * Muslims were literate, while the soninke people were not
 * They spoke mainly Mande

**Research Bibliography**