What significant event occurred around 850 CE in West Africa?

Timbuktu became a major education center

Mansa Musa took control of Mali

How did the people of Ghana view their king?

As a semi-divine being, half human and half god

As a figurehead with no real power

Which of the following was a major reason for the decline of the Empire of Ghana?

Traders finding alternative routes to avoid taxes

Increased agricultural production

Successful conversion of all citizens to Islam

A surplus of gold in the market

According to Al-Bakri's account, how was the kingship in Ghana inherited?

By the son of the king's sister

Based on sources 1 and 2, what were two different strategies used by West African rulers to maintain power?

Inheritance through maternal line and strong cavalry

Trade with Europeans and building pyramids

Democratic elections and religious tolerance

Slave labor and building large ships

What was a primary source of wealth for the Kingdom of Mali?

Taxes on trade routes between salt and gold mines

Agricultural exports like rice and millet

Livestock farming, including cattle and goats

Revenue from educational institutions in Timbuktu

Which of the following actions was characteristic of Mansa Musa's rule?

He expanded the empire and promoted peace and stability

He discouraged the practice of Islam within the empire

He required all women to wear traditional headscarves

He abolished all taxes on trade to encourage economic growth

What was Timbuktu known for after Mansa Musa's pilgrimage?

Its role as a major center for education

Its powerful military academies

Its extensive cotton plantations

How did Mansa Musa's actions during his pilgrimage to Cairo impact the local economy?

He caused the price of gold to fall by flooding the market.

He increased the value of gold in Egypt.

He refused to trade any gold in Egypt.

He only gave gifts to the Sultan of Cairo.

When did the Songhai Empire thrive and where was it primarily located?

15th-16th centuries, West Africa

13th-14th centuries, East Africa

10th-12th centuries, North Africa

17th-18th centuries, Central Africa

What were the primary factors that led to the decline of the Songhai Empire in the late 16th century?

Internal power struggles, external invasions, and economic challenges

Over-reliance on a single trade route

Lack of cultural diversity and religious intolerance

What is one way rulers of West African empires used wealth to maintain power, according to the sources?

By distributing gold and gifts to officials and foreign leaders

By hoarding gold and refusing to spend it

By using gold only for religious purposes

By trading gold exclusively with Asia

Which of the following policies did Askia Muhammad introduce to strengthen the Songhay Empire?

Encouraged learning and literacy

Standardized weights and measures

Created positions for directing finance and agriculture

Built the largest mosque in Africa