Kingdom of Ghana
Why was Ghana a wealthy State?
A lot of gold and salt is brought into the state and the trade is controlled by the King where he taxes the goods that are coming in or passing through. A lot of that was due to where it was located. The best gold was found in his land, his land was not the source of the gold, but it prospered from the gold coming in and out.
How did the king of Ghana administer his state?
The king of Ghana administers his state into two towns situated on a plain. One town is inhabited by Muslims that have 12 mosques where they assemble every Friday. The other town was the Kings town where it was a more luxurious town with gold. He administered his rule through large armies and Muslim officials. Over all he was a fair ruler and practiced religious tolerance.
Discuss the role of Religion in Ghana?
One town of Ghana was inhabited by those who were Muslim. There was also the King’s religion, African Traditional Religion, of which are allowed to wear fine clothing. There were also sorcerers living in the woods where no one was allowed to go. In the King’s town there is a mosque for those who are Muslim to pray in, that shows that he is not one to force the people in his state to practice the same religion as he does.
How does this account reflect the social classes that were in Ghana
The king and those who followed his religion were the only ones to where sewn clothing, all others wore robes/ The king is seen wearing necklaces and bracelets, he has ten horses covered in gold and has ten pages holding shields and swords made of gold. All high officials and important people were dressed in gold and had riches, other classes below him were more normal. A individuals class could be determined by the types of clothes they could afford.
Discuss some of the preconceptions of Al-Bakri in this account?
He is using his own religion to make judgements on others. He states that women shave their heads and men shave their beards.
Alexis Sabatelle 