Africa: History and Civilization

What is one reason why it is a mistake to focus only on Egypt when studying Africa?

• Africa is incredibly diverse

• Egypt is not part of Africa

• Egypt is the only important civilization in Africa

• Africa is not as big as it appears on maps

Why is the oral tradition important in African history?

• It provides accurate and reliable information

• It is the only form of record keeping in Africa

• It has been used to produce amazing literary artifacts

• It is considered more civilized than written tradition

Who was Mansa Musa and why is he important?

• He was a famous poet from Mali

• He was a wealthy king from Mali who made the hajj to Mecca

• He was a European explorer who discovered West Africa

• He was a religious leader who spread Islam in Africa

What impact did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage have on the Mediterranean world?

• It caused runaway inflation in Alexandria

• It led to the discovery of gold in West Africa

• It created a myth about West Africa being a land of gold

• It increased trade between West Africa and Europe

How did Islam spread in West Africa?

• Through military conquest

• Through the influence of Mansa Musa

• Through trade routes and the conversion of elites

• Through the colonization of West African kingdoms

What was the empire that succeeded Ghana in West Africa?

• Mali

• Songhai

• Egypt

• Timbuktu

What was the main economic activity of the Swahili civilization?

• Agriculture

• Salt mining

• Slavery

• Trade

What goods were exported by the Swahili city states?

• Gold and porcelain

• Ivory and animal hides

• Timber and books

• Salt and luxury goods

What language group is Swahili part of?

• Arabic

• Bantu

• Persian

• Berber

What is one lesson we can learn from studying African history?

• Africa was a backward and uncivilized continent

• Africa was rich and prosperous throughout its history

• Africa had its own empires and civilizations

• Africa had no connections to the rest of the world