Social Organization
Social Organization of Ghana:
All the information known about Ghana’s social organization was obtained from ancient accounts. This lack of concrete information makes it difficult to distinguish the hierarchical system of the empire. Despite this inability to explain the organization of the society completely, historians have developed a working theory. In general, there were two distinct classes, excluding kings, nobles and slaves. The first group was wealthy citizens, and the other group included ordinary citizens. Even though they are considered two separate classes, the only major difference was the slight increase in political power and housing available. Wealthier people constructed houses made from wood and stone, while lesser people built houses from wood and clay.
Outline of Social Hierarchy
Kings:
In the ancient empires, kings, or “Ghanas”, ruled supremely. The word Ghana actually translates into "war chief." This suggests that the first kings of Ghana were successful war chiefs from the empire's past. Eventually, kings gained a reputation for being semi-divine and harboring supernatural powers. Stricter social organization developed as Ghana expanded. The initial form of established government appeared. The kings still held supreme power, but he now ruled over subsequent states with their own lesser rulers.
Military:
The Ghanaian military members obtained elite status. These soldiers enjoyed social and political prosperity.
Middlemen:
The numerous merchants in the region were labeled as middlemen. While the middlemen did not enjoy the same wealth and power of the higher classes, the majority sustained some wealth. The abundance of gold in the region allowed ordinary citizens to prosper.
Slaves:
There is evidence that some Ghanaians owned slaves, however there is no indication about how they were treated.
Social Organization of Mali:
Kings:
The social organization of Mail is more straightforward. Like Ghana, the king was the supreme rulers. Originally, a man named Sunjatta Keita was the first king of Mali. He formed an army and fought a war against the oppressive Sumanguru Kante. This suggests that like many ancient civilizations, successful warriors became kings. Since Mali covered an expansive territory, warriors in general played a vital role in the society and enjoyed elite status.
Subsequent Rulers:
Mali's size made it impossible for one person to govern the whole empire. Subsequent provinces or hubs of commercial importance developed their own governors or ruling class. The governors tended to be elders from the area or someone considered a war hero.
Religious leaders and Military:
As stated above, the warriors of Mail were considered elite due to their political importance. Along with warriors, religious leaders ruled held great importance in the society. Islam became established in the region and with kings, such as Mansa Musa, making pilgrimages to Mecca, religious leaders found their niche in society.
Commoners:
Commoners were directly under the religious leaders and military personnel. Commoners were defined as anyone not in the other categories.
Slaves
