The Asante Empire (also known as the Ashanti Empire) was an African state that existed between the 18th and 20th centuries. This empire occupied the area of modern-day Ghana and benefitted greatly from the trade routes that passed through its territory. The Asante Empire prospered from the trade in two particular products - gold and slaves. Thanks to their location along the coast, the Asante Empire was able to engage in trade with the Europeans. In time, however, the Asante and their British trade partners came into conflict, which ultimately destroyed the Asante Empire.