The kingdom of Ghana emerged in West Africa around 800 AD, controlling the gold-salt trade routes across the region. Its capital, Kumbi Saleh, consisted of two separate walled towns nearly six miles apart, where the king presided over ceremonies and dispensed justice. Ghana's wealth attracted Muslim merchants, introducing Islam, writing, and new cultural influences. By the 1200s, the Mali Empire had surpassed Ghana after its founder Sundiata defeated the ruler Sumanguru. Under Mansa Musa in the 1300s, Mali expanded greatly and converted to Islam. In the 1400s, the Songhai kingdom replaced Mali after civil war weakened it, reaching its peak under Askia Muhammad. Other