Government of Ghana: (Aubrey)
(waiting for Aubrey)
Religion of Ghana: C+ (Vinh)
Ghana’s religion was mainly Islamic. The leaders of Ghana favored the Muslims, and so the primary religion of Ghana became Islam. Since the main religion of Ghana became Islamic, the difficulties that were faced were most likely dealt with in a peaceful way. This is important because it would save them from wars and problems with surrounding empires. Their religious views have a positive effect because it unites the people because they have similar beliefs.
The leaders, however were rarely tolerant of other religions. This would effect them in a negative way, because there would be rebellions an wars about religious tolerance, like the Mughals because they were not tolerant and were soon after conquered. Due to their intolerance in religion, it would make people who are of a different religion not want to join the empire, and not wanting to surrender and change their religion.
I gave them a C+ in religion because they united their people together, and they faced difficulties in a peaceful way, but they were intolerant to most religions and tolerance is the most important quality to a successful empire.
Economy of Ghana: A (Megan)
Over the course of the Ghana Empire’s reign, they became the center of trade. Many people traveled to Ghana to trade because the empire offered protection if taxes were paid. To earn money in the cities, little shops were set up selling goods. Some of the common jobs you would have seen during the Ghana Empire were craftsmen, weavers, potters, and ironsmiths.
Ghana mostly traded with the “Arabic World” which refers to states and territories that speak Arabic and the northern kingdoms. The Ghana Empire mostly traded natural goods such as gold, ivory, and copper other than some jewelry and leather goods. The early African empires used the money they earned from trading to build up their armies. To increase trade, the empire introduced the use of the camel for travel. From 200-1000 AD the Ghana Empire experienced its “Golden Age.”
If I were to grade the Ghana Empire on their economy I would give them an A. I would give them this grade because they became the center of trade and were one of the richest empires in gold. Also, the money they earned from trade and the selling of goods wasn't wasted.
Art and Architecture of Ghana: A (Lauren)
The arts that the ancient Ghana Empire is most famous for is their work with cotton, leather, and iron. Ghanaians made different patterns on cotton cloth by using mud. They would make designs on already died cloth and bake the cloth in the sun to create the design. the Ghanaians used these cloths as clothing and decorations. Moroccan Leather is another thing that the people of Ghana created. Moroccan Leather is leather made of goatskin that is traditionally died red. Another art the Ghanaians were famous for was their skill in working iron. To fight off neighbors, who used weapons made of wood, stone, and animal bones, Ghanaians would use their iron tipped spears and other weapons made with iron.
I gave Ghana a ‘A’ in arts and architecture because of their creativity. Ghanaians were very successful when creating cloths and were creative when doing so. They also had to be creative when making weapons. For their time period, metal weapons were very rare. In order to design the weapon and then make it, Ghanaians had to be creative. I marked Ghana down on there grade. Overall Ghana was genuinely successful in their arts.
Technology of Ghana: (Aubrey)
(waiting for Aubrey)
(waiting for Aubrey)
Society of Ghana: (Marguerite)
The Ghana Empire society was very systematically based with a big emphasis on kin rather than equality for all. The successors of leaders were often family or someone with seniority, so there wasn't much of a chance for commoners to improve their status. A king ruled the people with the advice of his ministers and he held a court of sorts to handle his people's disputes. The governors controlled certain areas of the empire with civil servants beneath them. There was a distinct break between the wealthy and the poor which could be seen through their homes. The wealthy had good solidly built homes, where as the poor had homes built with things less stable, like mud.
There were slaves in ancient Ghana. This was a result of trading with Northern Africa. Many civilizations would have captives from war that they would trade as slaves to Ghana in exchange for goods. The slaves counted for one third of the population and were generally treated well. They could probably be compared to a servant without wages. They were fed, clothed, and didn't have cruel treatment from their owners. If a slave was mistreated the owner would have to answer to the law (king). The slaves weren't tightly restricted. They could marry free people and could be adopted by a free person. When [free] women couldn't bear children they would often buy a slave to have kin for them or adopt a slave. So, slaves did have a chance to improve their lot in life, although the fact that they were slaves was never completely forgotten. I gave them a B- because they had a society that functioned decently and they treated their slaves well (particularly in comparison to the treatment of slaves before the Civil War in the U.S.). I lowered their grade because the common people didn't have a chance to better their lives although the slaves could do that to an extent. The empire also ran their society with heirs taking over their father's place instead of using possibly more worthy candidates.
Overall Grade
(waiting for Aubrey)
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