Final answer:
The kingdoms of Ghana and Mali became prosperous and powerful due to their participation in the gold and salt trade, their strategic location along trade routes, and strong leadership providing military protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kingdoms of Ghana and Mali became prosperous and powerful due to their participation in the gold and salt trade. Ghana, located in West Africa, controlled the gold trade, while Mali, located to the east, controlled the salt trade. This trade brought wealth and economic stability to both kingdoms.
Ghana and Mali also benefited from the strategic location of their kingdoms. They were positioned along major trade routes, allowing them to control the flow of goods and collect taxes from traders passing through their territories.
Additionally, both kingdoms had strong leaders who established centralized governments and maintained a stable political system. These rulers provided military protection for their kingdoms, ensuring the safety of trade routes and discouraging external invasions. This stability and security further contributed to their prosperity and power.
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