Tribal and Monarchal Structures in Africa - Essay Example

Often, military leaders changed into economic rulers if peace was established long enough.             Ghana is a good example of both of these infrastructures at work. The gathering together of the Soninke began Ghana as an independent regional power. These tribes worked together to exploit the trade between Sahara and Sub-Sahara Africa. Control over trade in gold and salt was lucrative. Due to a highly organized tribal and monarchal system, Ghana was able to deploy soldiers to protect trade routes and collect taxes.

The tax revenue made Ghana wealthy and powerful. In the mid-11th century, Tunka Manin became king after the death of his uncle, Basi. Many travelers reported the beauty and splendor of his court. They told of a profusion of gold and other fine trappings.             Unfortunately for Ghana, this wealth leads others to seek to overthrow Ghana. The Muslim Almoravids conquered Ghana for a brief time. The military victory did not last long, but the economic victory was long-lasting.

The Almoravids took control of the trade routes and shifted them towards other Muslim lands. The tribal and monarchal institutions that made Ghana strong were broken and the empire of Ghana faded away.