African Civilizations

One way in which the African kingdoms of Ghana and Mali are similar is that they 

• Established their wealth through trade 
• Opened trade routes to the Americas

The economies of the western African civilizations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai relied on

• Textile production 
• Trans-Saharan trade routes

Base your answer to the following question on the map and on your knowledge of social studies. 

• Rivers served as the primary trade routes for the entire region
• The economy of the region was influenced by extensive trade connections

What was a significant effect of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca?

• Islamic learning and culture expanded in Mali
• The African written language spread to southwest Asia

Much of the wealth of the West African kingdoms of Ghana and Mali was gained from the

• taxation on goods brought by Indian merchants
• control of the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt 

Which civilization best completes the heading of the partial outline below? 
I._________________________
A. Spread of Islam
B. Gold and salt trade
C. Growth of Timbuktu
D. Pilgrimage of Mansa Musa

• Mali
• Songhai

The wealth and power of Mali’s ruler, Mansa Musa, were significant because they contributed to the

• growth of European imperialism 
• spread of Islam 

The use of the Silk Road in Asia and caravan routes in northern Africa and southwestern Asia encouraged

• cultural diffusion 
• ethnocentrism

Which description best characterizes the city of Timbuktu? 

• commercial and cultural center of West Africa
• major urban and industrial center on the Silk Road

•Timbuktu is known as a great center of learning and trade.
•Walls of Great Zimbabwe reveal a powerful and rich society.
•Complex culture produces brass sculptures in Benin.  

What generalization can be made on the basis of these statements?

• North African societies were more advanced than South African societies
• Some African societies achieved a high level of economic and cultural development