* Gold and salt trade: Ghana was located on the edge of the Sahara Desert and so was essential to the gold-salt trade between North Africa and West Africa. Ghana would import salt and other items from North Africa and trade them with the people's of West Africa for gold. The empire had a monopoly on this trade, which allowed them to accumulate great wealth and power.
* Control over trade routes: Ghana also had control over the major trade routes between West Africa and the Middle East. This allowed them to tax merchants and traders, which further increased their wealth.
* Spread of Islam: The gold-salt trade also led to the spread of Islam across West Africa. Muslim traders from North Africa brought their religion with them, and it was quickly adopted by the people of Ghana due to its emphasis on trade and wealth accumulation.
Rome:
* Mediterranean trade: Rome was located on the Mediterranean Sea, and it became the center of a vast trading network that stretched from Europe to Asia. Rome imported a variety of goods from other civilizations, including grain, olive oil, wine, spices, and luxury items. It also exported its own goods, such as pottery, glassware, and metalwork.
* Economic growth: The trade network helped Rome to grow economically and become a prosperous city. The city's population grew, and its economy diversified. Rome became a center of commerce, finance, and manufacturing.
* Cultural exchange: The trade network also led to a great deal of cultural exchange between Rome and other civilizations. Rome adopted many new ideas, technologies, and customs from the people's it traded with. This cultural exchange helped to create a more cosmopolitan and sophisticated society.
