14.4 Video Class Questions

Front

The city of Timbuktu started out as an unremarkable trading post. What changed Timbuktu into an important trading city?

Back

Its strategic location along trans-Saharan trade routes.

Front

What did Askia Mohammad do differently when he was king of the Songhai empire?

Back

Askia Mohammad supported and expanded education and scholarship in Timbuktu.

Front

Gold and salt may have funded Timbuktu’s transformation into a city of learning, but what was its most valued commodity?

Back

Books

Front

What brought about an end to the Golden Age of Timbuktu?

Back

Invasion by outside forces who started destroying the books

Front

The video states that the literary tradition of Timbuktu didn’t die, but instead it went underground. What does this mean?

Back

The literary tradition of Timbuktu continued to exist in a hidden manner.

Front

Why are the books of Timbuktu described in this video important?

Back

They preserve a rich intellectual heritage of African history.

Front

What was the purpose of adding music and poetry to the learning of African culture and history?

Back

The purpose was to enhance memory retention and make it a part of their everyday lives.

Front

The earliest reference to griots comes from the Suninka Dausi. What is this?

Back

The Suninka Dausi is a collection of poem that references griots.

Front

Why could Batuta not understand the true purpose of the griots?

Back

Batuta could not get past their appearances and the fact they were singing and telling stories.

Front

What is the connection between griots and modern day African American church traditions?

Back

The call and response parts of African American churches are very similar to griot performances.