Ancient African Civilizations

One way in which the African kingdoms of Ghana and Mali are similar is that they 

• Established their wealth through trade 
• Opened trade routes to the Americas

The economies of the western African civilizations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai relied on

• Textile production 
• Trans-Saharan trade routes

Base your answer to the following question on the map and on your knowledge of social studies. 

• Rivers served as the primary trade routes for the entire region
• The economy of the region was influenced by extensive trade connections

The use of the Silk Road in Asia and caravan routes in northern Africa and southwestern Asia encouraged

• cultural diffusion 
• ethnocentrism

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

What is a valid conclusion that can be reached by studying this map? 

• Africans had centralized governments during the age of European feudalism
• African kingdoms did not exist before the Europeans arrived in Africa

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

• a golden age
• a period of political chaos

Which conclusion can be drawn from the information provided by the map?

• Rivers and overland trade routes helped Songhai become powerful. 
• The Sahara Desert blocked Songhai’s trade with other parts of Africa

What valuable ingredients often led to power for the Ancient African civilizations?

• Gold

• Silver

• Salt

• Ivory