West African Empires Quiz

Which West African empire is known for Mansa Musa developing new trade relationships?

• Ghana Empire

• Mali Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Benin Empire

Sunni Ali expanded the territory of which empire through military conquest?

• Ghana Empire

• Mali Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Benin Empire

Sundiata Keita is associated with creating the Manden Charter, a constitution and set of laws, in which empire?

• Ghana Empire

• Mali Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Benin Empire

Why were the animals in the image ideal for the trans-Saharan trade? Select the two correct answers.

• They were easy to ride.

• They were friendly and calm.

• They could remember the location of oases.

• They could travel several days without water.

• They had broad feet for walking on hot sand.

What is one reason why the Ghana Empire fell?

• The southern mines produced less gold.

• Conflict arose between Ghana’s leaders.

• The people of Mali defeated Ghana’s kings.

• Changing weather patterns caused difficulties

Which group would have been in the middle of Mali’s social hierarchy?

• enslaved people

• warriors

• traders

• griots

What is one reason Timbuktu became an important center of trade?

• It was located on the Niger River.

• It was close to the Atlantic Ocean.

• It was positioned along the desert.

• It was far from southern rainforests.

How did Sunni Ali expand the Songhai Empire?

• He invited European rulers to visit his palace in Timbuktu.

• He invited Muslim scholars to study at his university in Gao.

• He used his strong military to control travel on the Niger River.

• He used his diplomats to negotiate with neighboring kingdoms.

How were the social structures of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai similar? Select the two correct answers.

• All politicians were related to the king.

• The ruling class had special rights.

• Enslaved people held the lowest status.

• Farmers were more important than artisans.

• The army was made up of professional soldiers.