Medieval Africa Geography

What TWO benefits did the Niger River provide to the Mali Empire?

• Transportation for trade

• Military advantage

• Source of iron

• Rich agricultural lands

West African kings made money on trade by…

• Taxing traders.

• Selling gold.

• Buying camels.

• Mining salt.

What are the 3 West African Empires/Kingdoms?

• Songhai

• Byzantine

• Mali

• Egyptian

• Ghana

Ghana was taken over by this trading empire.

• Mali

• Songhai

• Baghdad

• Axum

In Medieval Africa why did many people settle in West Africa?

• It was a great place for ship building

• There was better trade

• There were no limited resources

• There were two rivers and green land

Which river was crucial for trade and transportation in the Mali Empire during Medieval Africa?

• Nile River

• Niger River

• Congo River

• Zambezi River

What geographical feature was a significant barrier to trade and travel in Medieval Africa?

• Sahara Desert

• Kalahari Desert

• Atlas Mountains

• Great Rift Valley

Which empire was known for its wealth and control over the gold trade in Medieval West Africa?

• Ghana Empire

• Mali Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Axum Empire

What was the primary reason for the decline of the Ghana Empire?

• Invasion by the Almoravids

• Drought and famine

• Internal civil war

• Loss of trade routes

Which city was a major center of learning and culture in the Mali Empire?

• Timbuktu

• Cairo

• Marrakech

• Fez