Geography and Resources of the Empire of Mali

Where was the early empire of Mali located when it began?

• On islands far out at sea

• By a river in a grassland region

• Deep inside a rainforest region

• High in cold mountain valleys

Which large desert lies north of Mali?

• The Sahara Desert

• The Gobi Desert

• The Arctic Desert

• The Mojave Desert

What is an empire?

• A small village with many farms

• A single city with no leaders

• A forest where people hunt animals

• A group of states ruled by one government

Which natural resources were most important to Mali’s trade?

• Salt from the Sahara

• Gold from West Africa

• Fresh water from lakes

• Timber from rainforests

Why was salt valuable to people living near the Sahara?

• It powered boats across the ocean

• It was used only for making jewelry

• It kept food from spoiling and helped health

• It watered crops during dry seasons

Mali grew during its greatest influence by spreading toward which areas?

• South into Antarctica

• East across the Indian Ocean

• North into the Sahara Desert

• The Atlantic coast to the west

People in Mali adapted to their environment in which ways?

• Built ski lodges in snowy mountains

• Farmed and raised animals on grasslands

• Traded for salt across desert routes

• Mined gold in West Africa

A trader in Mali has gold but needs salt. What is the best plan?

• Trade gold with desert traders for salt

• Grow salt crops on the grasslands

• Sail to Antarctica to find salt mines

• Wait for rain to turn sand into salt

Which person in Mali shared history by telling stories to others?

• Griot, a storyteller in Mali

• Farmer working in the fields

• Soldier guarding a fortress

• Trader sailing across oceans

What type of leaders ran the government of Mali long ago?

• Merchants from other lands

• Priests who led ceremonies

• Elected village councils

• Kings who controlled trade