Africa Empires

Africa Empires Assignment.

By Nichole Hilliard

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•Trade in gold helped create a strong economy in Ghana, bringing wealth to its merchants and its kings.

Empire of Ghana

ØThe first great trading state in West Africa.

ØLocated in the upper Niger River valley, grassland region between the Sahara and the tropical forests along the West African coast.

Ø most of the people were farmers, lived in villages under the authority of a local ruler.

ØThe villages formed the Kingdom of Ghana

ØThe kings of Ghana were strong rulers who governed without any laws.

ØTo protect their kingdom and to enforce their wishes, the kings relied on a well-trained army.

ØProspered from their possession of iron and gold

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Multiple Choice

What climate zone is Ghana located in?

• Mild Zone

• Savanna

• Sahara

• Grassland

Multiple Choice

The kings of Ghana had real strong laws and army to protect the people.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

They prospered from

• gold and silver

• iron and gold

• gold and salt

The region had an abundant supply of iron ore.

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ØSalt was a highly desired item, was used to preserve food; salt was also needed for their diet.

ØTrade across the desert was carried by the Berbers, nomadic peoples whose camel caravans became known as the “fleets of the desert”.

ØHundred camels; 3 miles per hour; 40 to 60 days

ØGhana was weakened by a series of wars and collapsed during the 1100s.

​ØBlacksmiths of Ghana were highly valued because of their ability to turn this ore into tools and weapons.

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ØGhana’s Gold made it the center of an enormous trade empire.

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ØTraded with Muslim merchants from North Africa (metal goods, textiles, horses and salt).

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Multiple Choice

These people were highly valued because of their ability to turn this ore into tools and weapons.

• Fisherman

• Blacksmiths

• Rockmakers

• Train conductors

Multiple Choice

Which metal made Ghana the center of an enormous trade state.

• Bronze

• Silver

• Gold

• Plastic

The Kingdom of Mali

•Main Idea: Powerful leadership helped Mali thrive.​

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Ø Rose up after Ghana’s collapse; became a new trading state in West Africa.

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​Sundiata Keita was a prince and founder of the Mali Empire. The nephew of Mansa Musa

​ØDefeated Ghana and captured its capital in 1240.

ØUnited the people of Mali and created a strong government.

ØMali made its wealth and power on the gold and salt trade.

ØMost people were farmers; lived in villages with local rulers(religious and administrative leaders)

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Open Ended

What are three major important facts about Mali?

Multiple Choice

Who was the first King of Mali?

• Keto

• Keita Sundiata

• Sundiata Keita

• Sunkist

ØOne of the richest and most powerful kings. (1312-1337)

ØCreated a strong central government and divided the kingdom into provinces ruled by governors whom he appointed.

ØHe was a Muslim; one day decided to make a pilgrimage to Makkah.

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​MANSA MUSA

ØMansa Musa proved to be the last powerful ruler of Mali.

Ø 1359 – civil was divided Mali

Ø 100 years later a new kingdom arose, Songhai

• ØGave away so much gold that the value of gold began to fall.

• ØHis pilgrimage demonstrated his wealth and power.

• ØInspired to make Timbuktu a center of Islamic learning and culture

• ØHe built mosques and libraries

Mansa Musa's Impact

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Multiple Choice

What religion did Mansa Musa practice?

• He believed in Christianity.

• He believed in Hinduism.

• He believed in Islam.

• He believed in Judaism.

Multiple Choice

One of the richest and most powerful kings of Mali

• Mansa Musa

• Mufassa

• Musa Mansa

• Simba

Multiple Choice

True or False: Timbuktu a center of Islamic learning and culture

• False

• True

Multiple Choice

What was one flaw that Mansa Musa have as king that hurt Mali?

• He gave away too much silver.

• He gave away too much bronze.

• He gave away too much gold.

• He gave away too much money.

The Kingdom of Songhai

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Songhai

•Main Idea: Situated along the Niger River, the Songhai became powerful traders.

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Ø Ruler named Kossi converted to Islam and established the Dia dynasty; first Songhai state.

ØBenefited from the Muslim trade routes.

ØSunni Ali created a new dynasty – the Sunni – in 1464.

Songhai

ØSunni Ali spent much of his reign on horseback and on the march as he led his army in one military campaign after another.

ØTwo conquests- Timbuktu and Jenne; gave Songhai control of their trading empire

ØAli united rural and city dwellers

ØSonghai Empire reached the height of its power during the reign of Muhammad Ture.

ØTure divided Songhai into provinces

Declined by 1600

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Multiple Choice

Songai is located by which river?

• Nile River

• Tigris River

• Niger River

• Blue River

Multiple Choice

True or False: Kossi was the ruler of Songai.

• True

• False