How did the prosperity resulting from the gold-salt trade affect west African empires during the 1300s

The Trans-Saharan trade followed a route from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and to the Levant. This route existed since prehistoric times but reached its peak from the 8th century until the 17th century. At that time, the Sahara had a different natural environment, which encouraged movement and trade across it.

Some of the most important commodities that were traded were gold and salt. Mediterranean communities provided salt in exchange for gold from West African countries. The trade also involved exchanges of slaves, concubines and domestic servants.

The Ghana Empire achieved its peak during the height of the African trade, during the Middle Ages. It flourished until around 1050, when Ghana lost Aoudaghost to the Almoravids. New goldmines found to the south benefitted the Malinke, who later founded the Mali Empire.