The gold and salt trade routes allowed kingdoms to control trade and be prosperous.

Trading salt for ivory or land allowed farmers more land to grow goods.

Through war tactics, they were able to conquer smaller tribes to become successful.

They used the canal system to directly trade with Europe which allowed them to become more advanced

Silver and pepper

gold and salt

timber (wood)

fish

the Crusades had a great influence on western Africa.

Islam had a major influence on the Mali Empire.

European culture was taught to the cultures of western Africa.