Most of what we know about ancient Ghana — which is more accurately called Wagadugu — is based on writings of Arab travelers who came in contact with the nation's peoples. "Ghana" was actually the title given to Wagadugu kings and was used by the Islamic "reporters" to describe the rich and mysterious place they observed.
Evidence of Ghana's occupation dates back to the 4th century. But it was several hundred years later that the Soninke tribe established Ghana as a nation. Soninke leaders have been credited with the early strengthening of the Wagadugu state and the expansion of its territories.
By 1000 A.D., the nation had undergone strategic expansion and taken control of a large pocket of land between the upper Niger and Senegal Rivers. The region was rich in gold, and its acquisition meant that Ghana would become a leading force in the trans-Saharan trade network.

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