One reason the ancient kingdoms in Western Africa prospered was the control and access to trade routes, especially the trans-Saharan trade routes. The West African kingdoms controlled the trade of gold, salt, ivory, and other commodities between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. This provided them with wealth and power, allowing them to develop and expand their empires. Additionally, these kingdoms established trade relationships with other regions, such as the Middle East and Europe, which helped them acquire new technologies, goods and ideas, leading to their further economic wealth and social development.