#tenkamenin #kingofghana #thepeoplesking #fatherofdemocracy #soninke #wagadu King Tenkamenin ruled ancient Ghana (which was Mauritania, Mali, and a part of Morocco) from 1062-1075. Some referred to him as Tunka Menin. Ancient Ghanaians were very wealthy, due to their control over Western Africa's trade. The gold mines were in the south and the salt mines were in the north. Being located between these two was a huge advantage. Aside from taxes, the kingdom would gain money through silent bartering. Gold would be left at a special place for traders to take. If ample goods were not left in exchange, trade would be stopped. Rather than take advantage of this, most traders would leave more than enough goods in return. They were afraid that powerful Ghana would close them off. During Tenkamenin's reign, Ghana became very wealthy reaching its peak in economic wealth and power. His principles of democratic monarchy and religious tolerance make Tenkamenin’s reign one of the great models of African rule. He was said to have surrounded himself with an air of divinity and magic, which he used to motivate his people to protect him well. He gave his people a platform to address their grievances and, at the same time, give suggestions. Tenkamenin had a democratic society before that was the norm anywhere. He also never converted to Islam. Which was an issue with the Muslim missionaries that had tried to also convert Ghana Bassi when he ruled the Soninke people. The Almoravids while up under Abu Bakr Ibn Umar declared Jihad on the Ghana empire. In 1076 the Almoravids sacked the capital. Kumbi Saleh. The Almoravids were expelled in 1087 with Abu Bakr being killed. That event led up to the Mali Empire coming into power. That name of his Tenkamenin...real Nile Valleyish.. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwLCOGQBWzz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ed8z2k66sqh2