IZZ 13-1 The Rise of African Civilizations

a storyteller

• Axum

• dhow

• Sunni Ali

• plateau

• griot

Answer explanation

A griot is a traditional storyteller in West African culture, known for preserving history and oral traditions through storytelling. This makes 'griot' the correct answer, as the other options do not refer to a storyteller.

a the city-state that owed its power to its location on the Red Sea

• Axum

• dhow

• Sunni Ali

• plateau

• griot

Answer explanation

Axum was a powerful city-state due to its strategic location on the Red Sea, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange, making it a significant player in the region's economy and politics.

an area of high flat land

• Axum

• dhow

• Sunni Ali

• plateau

• griot

Answer explanation

A plateau is defined as an area of high flat land, making it the correct answer. Other options like Axum, dhow, Sunni Ali, and griot do not refer to geographical features.

the sailboat invented by Arab traders

• Axum

• dhow

• Sunni Ali

• plateau

• griot

Answer explanation

The dhow is a traditional sailboat used by Arab traders, known for its distinctive lateen sails. It played a crucial role in maritime trade across the Indian Ocean, making it the correct answer.

He stormed into Timbuktu and drove out the Berbers.

• Axum

• dhow

• Sunni Ali

• plateau

• griot

Answer explanation

Sunni Ali was a ruler of the Songhai Empire who is known for his military conquests, including the capture of Timbuktu from the Berbers, thus establishing his dominance in the region.

Africa’s savannas

• cover only 10 percent of the land.

• are good for raising herds of animals

• are good for growing crops

• are cool and rainy

Answer explanation

Africa's savannas are characterized by grasslands that support large herds of animals, making them ideal for raising livestock. They are not primarily known for crop production, and they are typically warm rather than cool and rainy.

Used in trade caravans across the desert, camels were nicknamed

• “ships of the desert."

• “desert conquerors."

• “sand gods."

• “caravan heroes."

Answer explanation

Camels are often referred to as "ships of the desert" due to their ability to carry heavy loads across arid landscapes, similar to how ships navigate through water. This nickname highlights their vital role in trade caravans.

What great warrior-king, called “Lion Prince,” seized Ghana in 1240?

• Sunni Ali

• Sundiata Keita

• Mansa Musa

• Timbuktu

Answer explanation

Sundiata Keita, known as the 'Lion Prince,' founded the Mali Empire and seized Ghana in 1240, establishing a powerful kingdom that would dominate West Africa.

African rain forest kingdoms were by the dense forest growth.

• shutoff and harmed

• enveloped and weakened

• protected from invaders

• made defenseless

Answer explanation

The dense forest growth of African rain forest kingdoms provided natural barriers, effectively protecting them from invaders. This geographical advantage helped maintain their sovereignty and security.

The great trading center of Zimbabwe supplied to the East African coast.

• gunpowder, spears, bows

• bananas, yams, rice

• salt, gold, tin

• gold, copper, ivory

Answer explanation

The great trading center of Zimbabwe, known for its wealth, primarily supplied gold, copper, and ivory to the East African coast, making 'gold, copper, ivory' the correct answer.