Exploring African History: A Crash Course Quiz

What is a common misconception about Africa's size?

• It is actually bigger than it appears on most maps.

• It is larger than Asia.

• It is accurately represented on most maps.

• It is considered the smallest continent.

Why is oral tradition important in Sub-Saharan Africa?

• It was not influential in culture.

• It was used only for entertainment.

• It was the primary method of preserving history.

• It was less accurate than written records.

What significant event did Mansa Musa undertake in 1324?

• He discovered new lands.

• He visited Europe.

• He made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

• He wrote a famous book.

How did Mansa Musa impact Alexandria during his pilgrimage?

• He caused a famine.

• He was crowned as a king.

• He established a university there.

• He caused inflation by spending gold.

What role did trade play in spreading Islam in West Africa?

• It was limited to coastal areas.

• It had no impact.

• It was crucial as it connected different regions.

• It was opposed by local leaders.

How did African Muslim kings manage religious diversity?

• By enforcing strict Islamic laws.

• By blending Islam with local traditions.

• By banning traditional religions.

• By isolating Muslim communities.

What is Swahili civilization known for?

• A network of trade ports along the eastern coast.

• An isolationist policy from the rest of the world.

• A large empire that controlled most of Africa.

• A series of military conquests.

What influenced the development of Swahili civilization?

• The discovery of America.

• The arrival of European traders.

• The decline of the Silk Road.

• The arrival of Arab traders in the 8th century.

What was a major export from the Swahili city-states?

• Silk fabrics

• Electronics

• Spices

• Ivory and gold

What misconception about East African cities was corrected by modern scholars?

• That they were uninhabited before the traders arrived.

• That they were founded by Arab or Persian traders.

• That they were founded by local tribes.

• That they were primarily military forts.