Commoners

Definition

Commoners refer to the majority of the population in a society, particularly those who do not belong to the elite or noble class. In the context of the Ghana Empire, commoners played a crucial role in the economy and social structure, providing labor, resources, and supporting the empire's agricultural and trade activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commoners in the Ghana Empire were primarily involved in agriculture, farming staple crops that supported the empire's economy.
2. They also participated in trade by supplying goods and services to merchants, contributing to the wealth of the empire through commerce.
3. While they lacked political power compared to nobility, commoners formed the backbone of society, providing essential labor for construction and mining activities.
4. Social mobility was limited for commoners; however, successful merchants could gain wealth and influence over time.
5. Commoners had their own local governance structures within villages, allowing them some degree of autonomy in managing local affairs.

Review Questions

• How did commoners contribute to the economic structure of the Ghana Empire?
  • Commoners were essential to the economic structure of the Ghana Empire as they engaged in agricultural practices, producing food staples necessary for sustaining both local populations and trade. Their work allowed for surplus production, which facilitated commerce with neighboring regions. Moreover, commoners participated actively in trade, supplying resources and goods that enriched the empire's economy.
• Discuss the social hierarchy within the Ghana Empire and the role of commoners in relation to the nobility.
  • The social hierarchy of the Ghana Empire was distinctly divided between nobility and commoners. While nobility held significant political power and land ownership, commoners made up the bulk of the population and were primarily responsible for agricultural labor and trade. Despite their lower status, commoners played a critical role in supporting the nobility through their economic contributions, allowing for societal stability.
• Evaluate how the position of commoners influenced social mobility and governance in the Ghana Empire.
  • In the Ghana Empire, commoners faced limited opportunities for social mobility due to strict social hierarchies; however, successful individuals could gain wealth through trade or skilled labor. Local governance structures allowed commoners to participate in decision-making within their communities, providing them with a degree of agency. This local governance created a sense of identity among commoners and contributed to the overall stability of society by fostering cooperation among different social classes.

Related terms

Nobility: The class of people with high social status, often holding land and power within the Ghana Empire, contrasting with commoners.

Agrarian Society: A society primarily based on agriculture, where commoners often worked the land and produced food for the empire's sustenance and trade.

Trade Routes: Paths used for trading goods, which were vital for the Ghana Empire's economy, heavily involving commoners in commerce and trade activities.