Complex societies had existed in the region that became the Ghana Empire since about 1500 BCE. When Ghana’s ruling dynasty began is uncertain, it is first mentioned in sources around 830 CE. The introduction of the camel, which preceded Muslims and Islam by several centuries, brought about a gradual change in trade, and for the first time, the extensive gold, ivory trade, and salt resources of the region could be sent north and east to population centers in North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe in exchange for manufactured goods. The Empire grew rich from the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt. This trade produced an increasing surplus, allowing for larger urban centers. It also encouraged territorial expansion to gain control over the lucrative trade routes. The first written mention of the kingdom comes from Arabic-language sources sometime after the conquest of North Africa by Muslims, when geographers began compiling comprehensive accounts of the world known to Islam around 800 CE.

6 lessons that answer the standards as well as the framing and supporting questions.

Lessons are developed using all the sources and readings that are in the social studies course frameworks provided by the Louisiana Department of Education.

What does it include:

1. Detailed lesson plans aligned to the standards and frameworks.
2. Activities that include all the materials provided in the frameworks
3. Assessments aligned to the new LDOE field test.
4. Lesson activity workbook/worksheets
5. Slide deck