Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex)

Why it mattersKey Ghana Empire (c. 700–1240 CE; South Ridge 10th–12th c) site illustrating Soninke (Wagadou Ghana Empire) / Berber Almoravid urbanism and southern craft suburb of ghana capital with iron and bead workshops feeding pala.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

South Ridge suburb c. 950 CE under Ghana king Kaya Magha

Period

Ghana Empire (c. 700–1240 CE; South Ridge 10th–12th c)

Culture

Soninke (Wagadou Ghana Empire) / Berber Almoravid

Builders

Soninke (Wagadou Ghana Empire)

Purpose

Southern craft suburb of Ghana capital with iron and bead workshops feeding palace city

Excavation

Partially excavated

1. South Ridge suburb c. 950 CE under Ghana king Kaya Magha

   Initial construction / foundation

2. 20th century

   Modern archaeological survey and excavation

• Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex) — Principal Gate

  gate

  Main gate and rampart section at Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex)

  15.7606° N · 7.9694° W

• Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex) — Central Forum/Basilica

  forum

  Forum–basilica complex at Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex)

  15.7600° N · 7.9700° W

• Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex) — Baths/Cisterns

  baths

  Baths and cistern cluster at Koumbi Saleh South Ridge (Ghana Empire Capital Annex)

  15.7594° N · 7.9706° W