Final answer:
The Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires had social structures based on trade and commodity production, with ruling classes that wielded considerable power and wealth, while the majority of people were very poor. Mali and Songhai were more centralized, with appointed governors overseeing provinces, and they were integrated into the wider Muslim world of trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social Structure of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires
The social structures of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires were intricately linked to their economic and political systems. The Ghana Empire, flourishing between the 6th and 13th centuries, was a group of chiefdoms that emerged in the Sahel grassland. It became wealthy and powerful mainly through the trading of salt and gold, facilitated by the introduction of Arabian camels and the development of farming and ironworking technologies.
Following Ghana, the Mali Empire became even more integrated into the Muslim world through trade, contributing to its prosperity and cultural connections. It was composed of a federation of local groups and was highly affluent due to its control over gold, copper, and salt mines. The empire was organized into provinces overseen by appointed governors, although local kings maintained some degree of control over their subjects.
The Songhai Empire, arising from the decline of Mali, expanded the territory further east and north. It was known for its centralized political structure, where territories conquered were overseen by governors appointed by the emperors. Despite the wealth of the ruling classes, most citizens lived in poverty. The Songhai Empire also grew wealthy from trade, especially in gold, ivory, and slaves, and had a significant impact on its era, becoming one of the largest empires in African history.
Overall, in the three empires, power was concentrated in the hands of a few, with wealth stemming from trade and the production of valuable resources like gold and salt. Despite their affluence at the top, there was a large disparity between the ruling classes and ordinary citizens who were often very poor.