Ashanti Empire

The Ashanti Empire, also known as the Asante Empire, was an Akan state and former empire centered in modern-day Ghana. Founded around 1670, it lasted until 1902. The empire expanded from the Ashanti Region to encompass most of Ghana and parts of Ivory Coast and Togo. Its economy was based on gold, agricultural exports, slave trading, and craft work. The Asante Empire was known for its military prowess, wealth, and sophisticated hierarchy. It engaged in several wars, including the Anglo-Ashanti Wars against the British, who eventually sacked its capital, Kumasi. Following its defeat in the fifth Anglo-Ashanti War, the empire became part of the Gold Coast colony in 1902.