Ghana A West African Trading Empire

The video explores the history and significance of the Ghana Empire, focusing on its wealth derived from Trans-Saharan trade. It covers Ghana's government, military, and the matrilineal system of succession. The video also delves into the gold-salt trade, the silent barter system, and the eventual decline of Ghana due to war and resource depletion, leading to the rise of the Mali Empire.

What was the essential question discussed in the lesson about Ghana?

• How did Ghana's military strategies evolve?

• How did Ghana's climate affect its agriculture?

• What role did Trans-Saharan trade play in Ghana's prosperity?

• Why did Ghana's population increase rapidly?

Who inherited the throne in Ghana's matrilineal system?

• The king's son

• The king's brother

• The king's sister's son

• The king's nephew

What was the role of the king in Ghana's government?

• He led the army and made judicial decisions

• He managed trade agreements with other empires

• He was a ceremonial figurehead

• He was responsible for religious ceremonies only

What two factors contributed to the growth of Trans-Saharan trade?

• Introduction of horses and spread of Christianity

• Development of new agricultural techniques and tools

• Introduction of camels and spread of Islam

• Discovery of new trade routes and gold mines

What was the primary reason for Ghana's wealth from trade?

• Control of the gold-salt trade

• Export of agricultural products

• Manufacturing of textiles

• Fishing and maritime trade

Why was salt more valuable than gold to West Africans?

• Salt was used as a currency

• Salt was essential for diet and food preservation

• Salt was used in religious ceremonies

• Salt was a rare mineral in the region

How did traders conduct business in Ghana's markets?

• Through verbal negotiations

• By exchanging written contracts

• Through government-regulated auctions

• Using a system of silent barter

What led to the decline of Ghana's empire?

• Internal civil wars and political instability

• Invasion by the Amoravids and resource depletion

• Economic collapse and loss of trade routes

• Natural disasters and climate change

Which group conquered Kumbi and led to the rise of Mali?

• The Mandi

• The Berbers

• The Amoravids

• The Songhai

What was the main economic activity that Mali built its wealth on?

• Fishing

• Mining

• Trade

• Agriculture