Early Societies in West Africa

Why did villages grow into cities in West Africa?

• Farming & Livestock

• Trade & Iron Working

• Gold & Diamonds

What group of people were the most respected in West Africa?

• Blacksmiths

• Farmers

• Warriors

The Sahara is a ...

• Climate

• River

• Desert

What is the longest and most important river in West Africa?

• Mississippi River

• Niger River

• Santa Clara River

Why do societies trade?

• To acquire items they cannot provide for themselves.

• To get rid of items they do not feel are valuable.

• To establish a sense of power throughout the region.

Which group is the smallest?

• Communities

• Villages

• Cities

A typical community consisted of ________ members.

• 30-50

• 100-200

• 15-20

How many people make up a village?

• 100-200

• 1,000-2,000

• 10-20

How did iron tools help?

• Boats were built more efficiently.

• Farmers can cultivate crops and clear land.

• People could build roads.

How did the location of Jenne-jeno cause it to become a large, busy city?

• It was built near mountains for protection.

• It was built near volcano plains where food grows.

• It was built where the Bani and Niger Rivers intersect.