Originally formed by Berbers, the kingdom of Ghana came to rise between the 9th and 11th centuries C.E. The people of Carthage and the Egyptians barely became involved with West Africa in commercial trade, even though West Africa had many riches such as gold, precious metals, ivory, and other coveted resources. Subjugated by the domain of the Islamic people, northern and western Africans began to use the camel as a means of getting goods across this harsh landscape. The capital city of the Ghana Empire, Kumbi Saleh, was built right on the edge of the Sahara and the city, in quick succession, became the most important southern point of the Saharan trade routes. The kingdom of Ghana swiftly expanded into an empire, conquering local cities and requiring they pay a tribute or in other words a tax. The leader of all the leaders was viewed as the king, who was also known as the Ghana (from hence the name of the empire came), or war chief. His word was taken as law. He served as the commander in chief of a highly organized army, he controlled all of trade activities, and he was the head administrator of justice. Ghana had become the most powerful empire in Western Africa during its time,