West African Kingdoms

1. How did the kings of Ghana grow their kingdom’s economy?

• A)They produced illuminated manuscripts.
• B) They collected taxes from traders.
• C) They maintained a strong military.
• D)They explored new territories.

2. Which detail from the map supports the conclusion that Kumbi Saleh was the most important city in Ghana?

• A) It was close to an ocean.
• B) It was near the Volta River.
• C) It was at the edge of the Sahara.
• D) It was at the center of several trade routes.

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

• A) They were easy to ride.
• B) They were friendly and calm.
• C) They could remember the location of oases.
• D)They could travel several days without water.
• E) They had broad feet for walking on hot sand.

5. What was one effect of the trans-Saharan trade?

• A) People in North Africa ended the slave trade.
• B) People in West Africa converted to Islam.
• C) Demand for gold decreased in Europe.
• D) Demand for salt increased in Asia.

8. Which commodity helped Ghana expand its empire through conquest?

• A) iron
• B) gold
• C) kola nuts
• D) shea butter

9. What were the original religious beliefs of people living in the Ghana Empire?

• A) They believed that plants and animals were sacred.
• B) They believed that the king was the son of a god.
• C) They believed that all people should visit Mecca.
• D) They believed that Muhammad was a prophet.

10. What is one reason why the Ghana Empire fell?

• A) The southern mines produced less gold.
• B) Conflict arose between Ghana’s leaders.
• C) The people of Mali defeated Ghana’s kings.
• D) Changing weather patterns caused difficulties.

How were the Ghana Empire and the Mali Empire similar? Select the two correct answers.

• a) They were powerful because of their location on the Niger River.

• b) They were centers of traditional religious beliefs and culture.

• c) They were influenced by Muslim merchants and scholars.

• d) They were wealthy because of the gold-salt trade.

• e) They were destinations for Christian scholars.

What conclusion about Mansa Musa is supported by the image?

• a) He was famous around the world for his religious devotion.

• b) He was famous around the world for his wealth.

• c) He was admired for his strong leadership.

• d) He was admired for his love of education.

d) He was admired for his love of education.

• a) He formed a strong central government.

• b) He ended the trans-Saharan trade.

• c) He defended the empire from lions.

• d) He captured gold and salt mines.