Dinga Cisee was the first leader who unified the clans of the Soninke people in ancient Ghana sometime between 760-1076 CE. He was a stranger from afar who became the leader after attacks from nomadic raiders. Under his leadership, Ghana derived power and wealth from gold mining, with some of the richest gold mines ever. His capital of Kumbi Saleh, built on the border of the Sahara, became a dynamic hub along Saharan trade routes.