Final answer:
The first empire to control the areas that produced gold and southern Saharan trade routes was the Ghana Empire in West Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first empire to control the areas that produced gold and southern Saharan trade routes was the Ghana Empire. The Ghana Empire, also known as Wagadou, existed from the 6th to the 13th century AD. It was located in present-day Mauritania and Mali in West Africa.
The Ghana Empire developed in a region abundant in gold mines, which allowed it to control the trade of gold in the region. It also controlled the trade routes that connected the trans-Saharan trade network, allowing it to grow wealth and power.
The empire's control over the gold mines and trade routes contributed to its prosperity and influence, as it became a key player in long-distance trade between North Africa, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa.
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