The Awkar or Ghana Empire
The Awkar empire existed from 400 CE until in 1200 CE in the area now known as southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. The Awkar was another empire in Africa that got its wealth from trade in gold and salt. Camels allowed for reliable trans-Saharan trade routes and allowed for urban centers to develop. As the urban areas grew, the desire for territorial expansion grew as well, with more land the empire would have control over other trade routes.
The circumstances surrounding the estbalishment of the Awkar empire are largely unknown. It was first mentioned in written records in 830 CE. It wasn’t until the 11th century that a detailed description was given of the kingdom, taken from stories of travelers to the region. There was a long-held belief that the Ghana Emperor could put 200,000 men in the field for battle with more than 40,000 of them being archers. They were also known to have an established cavalry.
The people of the Awkar empire acted as the intermediaries between the Arab and Amazigh salt traders in the north and the gold and ivory producers of the south. The people of Ghana were Soninke and rarely controlled the sources of the goods they traded. They were a nomadic people and would follow the trade routes to trade with other civilizations as intermediaries. It was the reliance on caravans and trade that would bring about the decline of the empire.
The Almoravid dynasty of Morocco had their own plans for expansion and launched a campaign that spread to the Awkar empire. They were able to conquer the capital in 1076 CE, but the people of Ghana were able to reclaim it a few years later. Despite getting back their territory, their trade networks were now broken and the introduction of pastoral animals caused desertification that ruined the land for the people. The kingdom fell into decline and was eventually incorporated into the Empire of Mali in the 13th century.