West African Unit Assessment

Which West African empires were powerful and influential between the 9th and 16th centuries?

• Ghana, Mali, Songhai

• Egypt, Nubia, Axum

• Zimbabwe, Kongo, Luba

• Benin, Ashanti, Yoruba

What was the Empire of Ghana known for in the 8th century?

• Its vast wealth derived from gold trade

• Its powerful navy

• Its advanced technology

• Its large population

What type of government did the Empire of Ghana establish?

• A decentralized government

• A monarchy

• A strong centralized government

• A democratic government

How did the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai become powerful?

• Through advanced technology

• By controlling trade routes

• By forming alliances with Europe

• Through agricultural innovations

Where is salt mined in Ghana?

• From the ocean

• From the desert

• From the mountains

• From the forest

What resource is mined near the coast of Africa?

• Silver

• Coal

• Gold

• Copper

Where does Ghana lie in relation to gold and salt mines?

• North of the mines

• South of the mines

• Between the mines

• West of the mines

How did Ghana become extremely wealthy?

• By discovering gold mines.

• By owning the land where traders would meet and taxing them.

• By conquering neighboring countries.

• By developing advanced technology.

What did kings do before gold could be traded in Ghana?

• Sold it

• Gave it away

• Taxed it

• Ignored it

Why would salt be important to the people of West Africa?

• Without enough salt in our diets, you could die.

• All of these.

• When we sweat we lose salt from our bodies, which can cause dehydration.

• It was a way to season food.

• It can be used to preserve meat.