Ghana Empire History and Facts

The Ghana Empire, one of the earliest known Negro empires, was located in present-day Mauritania and Mali. It was renowned for its wealth, primarily from trans-Saharan trade and agriculture. The empire expanded significantly, boasting a powerful military. However, internal strife and external pressures, including Almoravid invasions, led to its decline. The final collapse occurred in the 13th century, paving the way for the rise of the Mali Empire. In 1957, the Gold Coast was renamed Ghana in honor of this historic empire.

Which Arab geographer first mentioned the Ghana Empire as a 'land of gold'?

• Ibn Battuta

• Al-Fazari

• Ibn Khaldun

• Al-Idrisi

What was the original name of the kingdom that became known as Ghana?

• Kangaba

• Tekrur

• Mali

• Aoukar

Who is credited with founding the capital of the Ghana Empire, Kumbi Saleh?

• Kaya Maghan

• Sumanguru

• Sundiata

• Abu Bekir

By 1000 AD, which river marked the western boundary of the Ghana Empire?

• Congo

• Nile

• Senegal

• Zambezi

What was the primary source of wealth for the Ghana Empire?

• Agriculture

• Trans-Saharan trade

• Fishing

• Textile production

What type of weapons did the Ghana Empire's army use that were unknown to other Western African peoples?

• Metal weapons

• Wooden spears

• Stone axes

• Bronze shields

What was one of the internal weaknesses that led to the decline of the Ghana Empire?

• Isolation from trade routes

• Overpopulation

• Lack of natural resources

• Political instability

Which group captured Kumbi Saleh in 1076 AD, contributing to the decline of the Ghana Empire?

• Portuguese

• Malians

• Almoravids

• French

Who defeated Sumanguru to end his tyrannical rule and merge Ghana with Kangaba?

• Sundiata

• Mansa Musa

• Al-Bakri

• Kaya Maghan

In what year did the Gold Coast gain independence and rename itself Ghana?

• 1945

• 1960

• 1957

• 1975