Awesome Ancients October 2012 Issue 1 Ancient Ghana

Awesome Ancients October 2012 -Issue 1 Ancient Ghana History: Ancient Ghana began around 300 - 400 C. E. , was founded by 800 C. E. , they were one of the most powerful empires between 1000 -1070 C. E. And they were destroyed between 1230 and 1235 C. E. Quick Facts: Trades: gold, ivory, salt, slaves, horses, cloth, swords, books , kola nuts Capital: Kumbi Saleh Oct. 2012: Ancient Ghana Religion: Muslin and animists Location: Western Africa, 400 miles north west of present day Ghana Land Mass: 1600 kms. squared Kingship passed: Maternally (king was king’s sister’s son) Conquered by: Mali Empire Famous Ghanaians: Anansi the spider, griots

Awesome Ancients October 2012 -Issue 1 Ancient Ghana History in relation to government: The Empire of Ghana was lead by a king. The king had animalistic beliefs, but most of his ministers were Muslim. He had ministers who were the commander of the navy, the commander in chief of the military, the minister of taxation, the minister in charge of property, ministers in charge of forests, and the minister in charge of foreigners. Each day the king gathered with the people to hear their complaints, including criminal accusations. History in relation to criminal justice system: They believed in trial by ordeal. This means that they would give the accused a drink that was a mix of water and sour wood. The accused would drink it and if they vomited it up they were considered not guilty. Civilization? Ancient Ghana was a civilization. They had all the 5 traits (grow cities, specialized workers, writing, advanced technology, organized institutions).

Awesome Ancients October 2012 -Issue 1 Ancient Ghana Civilization? (continued) They grew cities through growing their empire, they had specialized workers like griots and artists, they had advanced technology because they defiantly had the advanced knowledge of trade relations, I'm sure they used writing somewhere since the alphabet had already been invented and they had a very organized government. Dynamic Relationship: The people were dependant on the king for guidance, while the king was dependant on them for their resources (workers). While they were all dependant on the traders because without them they would have no one to trade with as well as no tariffs paid to them, the traders were dependant on them for safety and resources. Similar to ancient Asian civilizations? The empire was similar to the Assyrian empire because they had the strength of an army. They were like the Persian empire because they left the people in their land with their leaders. They were like the Sumerians because they were ruled by a king. They were different from everyone because they figured out how to get rich off of trading.

Awesome Ancients October 2012 -Issue 1 Ancient Ghana o e t t a her h W !W see o! to g When in Ancient Ghana I would recommend seeing the gold mines. But don’t miss out on all the amazing art to see. The people of ancient Ghana were well known for their mud cloth. This was made by hand sun dried. Also see the Trans-Saharan Trade Route to learn more about their trade system. While you’re there see if you can go to a meeting with the griots and hear their stories of the past. There a few famous Ghanaians to ask about while you’re there, they are Anansi the spider and Bida. Also ride a camel!

Awesome Ancients October 2012 -Issue 1 Ancient Ghana is a beautiful place with a high level of security. They have a large army and like to be known as a safe place so you will be relatively safe. Two adults can fly from Minneapolis for only $2071 Cad. ! (per person) Since you are going to Africa of course take all the necessary steps to protect your security.