West African Empires Quiz

Which African empire dominated West Africa from 600 to 1200 CE?

• Mali

• Askia the Great

• Ghana

Answer explanation

The Ghana Empire was the dominant power in West Africa from around 600 to 1200 CE, known for its wealth and trade in gold, making it the correct answer. Mali rose to prominence later, after the decline of Ghana.

Which African empire dominated West Africa from 1230 to 1670 CE?

• Mali

• Askia the Great

• Ghana

Answer explanation

The Mali Empire, which flourished from 1230 to 1670 CE, was a dominant power in West Africa, known for its wealth, trade, and cultural influence. In contrast, Ghana was earlier, and Askia the Great was a notable ruler of the later Songhai Empire.

Who was the West African ruler who went on the Hajj to Mecca?

• Osei Tutu

• Mansa Musa

• Askia the Great

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire, is famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca in the 14th century, which showcased his wealth and the importance of Islam in West Africa. Osei Tutu and Askia the Great did not undertake this journey.

Why did upper-class West Africans convert to Islam?

• To earn favor with Arab traders

• To enforce their hierarchy

• Admired deities

Answer explanation

Upper-class West Africans converted to Islam primarily to earn favor with Arab traders, facilitating trade relationships and access to goods, which was crucial for their economic and social status.

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Which Southeast Asian Empire built Angkor Wat?

• Khmer

• Majapahit

• Srivijaya

Answer explanation

The Khmer Empire, which thrived in Southeast Asia, is renowned for constructing Angkor Wat, a magnificent temple complex in present-day Cambodia. The Majapahit and Srivijaya empires were significant but did not build Angkor Wat.

Who was the ruler of the Songhai Dynasty that opened religious schools and welcomed scholars?

• Osei Tutu

• Askia the Great

• Mansa Musa

Answer explanation

Askia the Great was known for promoting education and scholarship in the Songhai Dynasty. He established religious schools and welcomed scholars, while allowing the lower classes to practice their beliefs freely without forcing Islam upon them.

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This was the dominant Islamic dynasty in West Africa from the mid-15th to 17th century that enforced Islam on its elite.

• Songhai Dynasty

• Asante Kingdom

• Zagwe Kingdom

Answer explanation

The Songhai Dynasty was the dominant Islamic dynasty in West Africa from the mid-15th to 17th century, known for enforcing Islam among its elite, distinguishing it from the Asante and Zagwe kingdoms.

This was a series of kingdoms along the West African coast that used the Golden Stool as a symbol.

• Asante Kingdom

• Songhai Dynasty

• Kingdom of the Kongo

Answer explanation

The Asante Kingdom, located in West Africa, used the Golden Stool as a symbol of unity and identity, distinguishing it from other kingdoms like the Songhai Dynasty and the Kingdom of the Kongo.

This was the African Kingdom that converted to Catholicism after contact with the Portuguese in 1491.

• Kingdom of the Kongo

• Asante Kingdom

• Songhai Dynasty

Answer explanation

The Kingdom of the Kongo, located in Central Africa, converted to Catholicism after contact with the Portuguese in 1491, making it the correct answer. The Asante Kingdom and Songhai Dynasty did not have this specific conversion history.

Who established the Asante Empire?

• Mansa Musa

• Osei Tutu

• Askia the Great

Answer explanation

The Asante Empire was established by Osei Tutu in the late 17th century. He unified various Akan states and created a centralized kingdom, making him a key figure in its formation.