African Empires

The largest desert in the world is the _____________ .

• Gobi

• Sahara

• Sonoran

• Kalahari

What was a significant effect of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca?

• Islamic learning and culture expanded in Mali
• The African written language spread to southwest Asia

The wealth and power of Mali’s ruler, Mansa Musa, were significant because they contributed to the

• growth of European imperialism 
• spread of Islam 

Which description best characterizes the city of Timbuktu? 

• commercial and cultural center of West Africa
• major urban and industrial center on the Silk Road

•Timbuktu is known as a great center of learning and trade.
•Walls of Great Zimbabwe reveal a powerful and rich society.
•Complex culture produces brass sculptures in Benin.  

What generalization can be made on the basis of these statements?

• North African societies were more advanced than South African societies
• Some African societies achieved a high level of economic and cultural development

The rise of the West African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai can be attributed to 

• the spread of Christianity
• their locations near the trans-Sahara trade routes

Which phrase best describes Mali under the rule of Mansa Musa?

• a golden age
• a period of political chaos

Which point of view about the culture of Mali does Ibn Battuta express in this passage?

• It was generally concerned with establishing democratic principles. 
• It was centered around peace and justice

Tropical grasslands with small trees and shrubs where most people live.

• savanna

• plateau

• griot

• rainforest

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all traded which TWO items?

• Gold and fish
• Gold and salt
• Gold and timber
• Gold and bronze