West Africa: Overview of the Great Empires

What was the capital city of the Ghana Empire?

• Koumbi Saleh

• Timbuktu

• Djenné

• Gao

During which period did the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, and Songhai Empire dominate West Africa?

• From approximately 500 CE to 1300 CE

• From approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE

• From approximately 1000 CE to 1700 CE

• From approximately 700 CE to 1500 CE

What enabled the Ghana Empire to travel across the desert and trade with societies as far away as Europe and the Middle East?

• The invention of the wheel

• The domestication of camels

• The use of riverboats

• The construction of roads

Which empire grew to be one of the largest West African kingdoms in history by surpassing Ghana's success in trade?

• The Songhai Empire

• The Mali Empire

• The Sosso Empire

• The Berber Empire

What was just as valuable as gold in the trade conducted by the Ghana Empire?

• Salt

• Spices

• Textiles

• Ivory

Who overthrew the Sosso king and united the various settlements in West Africa to form the Mali Empire?

• Sundiata Keita

• Mansa Musa

• Askia Muhammad

• Sonni Ali

Which religion became more prevalent in the empire that continued to practice indigenous religions?

• Christianity

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Hinduism

What caused the collapse of the Songhai Empire in the late 1500s?

• The establishment of a new administrative system

• The invasion by the Moroccans

• The discovery of new trade routes by other empires

• The construction of the Djinguereber Mosque

Which empire was Mansa Musa a part of, who is considered the richest person in history?

• The Ghana Empire

• The Songhai Empire

• The Mali Empire

• None of the above

What does the term 'domesticated' mean according to the glossary of terms?

• To have a commanding influence on

• To consist of; be made up of

• To tame (an animal) and keep it as a pet or for farm produce

• To be susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm