How West African gold empires fueled the economy of medieval Europe
In short: West Africa was a primary global gold producer during the Middle Ages. This video examines how trans-Saharan trade routes transformed the region into a powerhouse, the empires that emerged from this wealth, and the eventual arrival of European powers seeking to exploit these resources.
The gold trade in West Africa dates back to antiquity, but it expanded significantly once camel caravans connected the Sahara to the interior savannah. This commerce supported the rise of several major African empires, which traded gold for commodities like salt, ivory, and slaves. Much of this gold eventually supplied the coinage used across southern Europe.
The region's wealth eventually drew external competition. Starting in the 15th century CE, the Portuguese began exploiting coastal resources, followed by other European powers. While the discovery of gold in the Americas provided a brief reprieve, European interest in West Africa shifted toward the slave trade to support New World plantations. Local regulations were strict; for instance, the king of Ghana claimed ownership of all gold nuggets weighing between 25 grams and half a kilogram.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ancient and Medieval Gold Trade in West Africa
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