Between the 9th and 11th centuries, the kingdom of Ghana, founded by the Soninke people in the 4th century, prospered in northwest Africa. The kingdom became very rich because it was located at the center of the trade routes of Northwest Africa and had many resources. Ghana traded salt for gold with its northern neighbor. Ghana also taxed every trader who crossed into Ghana to finance its army. The kings of Ghana ruled from their capital Kumbi Saleh. The country had a rich cultural tradition which was reflected in religion. The kingdom of Ghana fell due to drought, attacks and a lack of gold. The salt trade was very important to the people of Ghana. They traded with the Arabs who lived to the north. The people of Ghana needed salt because they sweated a lot because it was very hot. They needed to eat salt every day to survive. But their country did not have much of this precious resource. To conduct their business they needed camels. These animals played an important role because they helped merchants carry heavy things over long distances...