Final answer:
True, Ghana's rulers became wealthy by taxing the goods traded through their territory, including valuable commodities like gold and captives. This taxation was a key factor in the economic success of the Ghana Empire and its rulers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Ghana's rulers became rich by taxing the goods that traders carried through their territory is true. The Ghana Empire's prosperity largely stemmed from its strategic location, which facilitated control over the trans-Saharan trade routes. Goods such as gold, ivory, salt, and enslaved people passed through the empire, generating significant wealth for Ghana's rulers. Moreover, commodities like copper fetched substantial customs duties, bolstering the rulers' coffers. Captives, often prisoners of war or those captured during raids, were likewise a source of income due to the practice of slavery and the associated trade.
During the medieval period, West African empires like Ghana and Mali were powerhouses in the regional economy, thanks in part to their ability to tax and control the flow of valuable trade goods. This economic system was a vital aspect of the medieval African kingdoms and contributed not only to their wealth but also to their ability to wield power and influence across vast territories.