West African Empires Quiz

Which three empires dominated West Africa from 300 to 1600 AD?

• Ghana, Mali, Songhai

• Egypt, Nubia, Carthage

• Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Sudan

• Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

What was Ghana known for controlling in trade?

• Spices and silk

• Gold and salt

• Iron and copper

• Tea and porcelain

Who was the famous ruler of Mali known for his pilgrimage to Mecca?

• Sundiata Keita

• Mansa Musa

• Askia the Great

• Kwame Nkrumah

Which city became a center of learning and culture under the Mali Empire?

• Cairo

• Timbuktu

• Marrakech

• Lagos

When did the Songhai Empire take over Mali?

• 12th century

• 13th century

• 14th century

• 15th century

Which European nation was especially interested in the wealth of West African empires?

• Spain

• France

• Portugal

• England

What did the Portuguese want in exchange for their goods other than slaves?

• Spices

• Gold and valuable resources

• Land

• Slaves

What did the interactions between West Africa and Europe lead to besides trade?

• Military alliances

• Cultural exchanges

• Religious conversions

• Political unions

What was one negative consequence of the exchanges between Africa and Europe?

• Loss of language

• Exploitation of resources and people

• Decline in art

• Decrease in trade

What role did the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai play in West Africa?

• They were minor trading posts

• They were powerful players controlling trade routes

• They were isolated communities

• They were primarily agricultural societies