CFU on the Mali Empire

What was the purpose of the mosques built by the Mali Empire?

• For worshippers of Islam

• For political meetings

• For educational purposes

• For trade negotiations

Answer explanation

The mosques built by the Mali Empire served primarily as places for worshippers of Islam, reflecting the empire's commitment to the Islamic faith and its role in the community.

What was the impact of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage on Cairo's economy?

• It diluted the value of gold by 10 to 25 percent

• It increased the value of gold by 50 percent

• It had no impact on the economy

• It caused a gold shortage

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Cairo in 1324 led to an influx of gold, which caused its value to drop by 10 to 25 percent due to oversupply, impacting the local economy significantly.

What was a consequence of Mansa Musa's spending during his pilgrimage?

• It impacted Cairo’s economy for at least 12 years

• It led to a war with Egypt

• It caused a famine in Mali

• It resulted in a new trade route

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa's extravagant spending during his pilgrimage to Mecca significantly increased the amount of gold in circulation in Cairo, leading to inflation and impacting the city's economy for at least 12 years.

What was one of the reasons for the overthrow of some leaders of the Songhai Empire?

• Internal conflicts

• Natural disasters

• Foreign invasions

• Economic prosperity

Answer explanation

Internal conflicts within the Songhai Empire weakened leadership and stability, leading to the overthrow of some leaders. This infighting created power struggles that undermined the empire's cohesion.

Where was Mansa Musa going?

• To the Sahara Desert

• To Cairo

• To Mecca

• To Timbuktu

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa was traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage, a significant religious journey for Muslims. While he passed through various locations, his ultimate destination was Mecca.

How did Mansa Musa dilute the value of gold in Cairo?

• By selling it at a high price

• By giving it away freely

• By hiding it

• By trading it for silver

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa diluted the value of gold in Cairo by giving it away freely. This influx of gold into the economy increased its availability, leading to a decrease in its value.

What is the main topic of the slides titled 'Mali Empire'?

• The geography of Africa

• The history of the Mali Empire

• The wildlife of Africa

• The languages of Africa

Answer explanation

The slides titled 'Mali Empire' focus on the history of the Mali Empire, detailing its rise, culture, and significance in African history, making 'The history of the Mali Empire' the correct choice.

Why did the Mali Empire collapse?

• Natural disasters

• Invasion by foreign armies

• Internal conflicts and weak leadership

• Economic prosperity

Answer explanation

The Mali Empire collapsed primarily due to internal conflicts and weak leadership, which undermined its stability. While natural disasters and foreign invasions played roles, the internal strife was a significant factor in its decline.

What was a significant achievement of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa's rule?

• Establishment of a new language

• Construction of the Great Wall

• Expansion of trade routes

• Discovery of new continents

Answer explanation

Under Mansa Musa's rule, the Mali Empire significantly expanded trade routes, enhancing commerce across West Africa and connecting it to North Africa and beyond, which was crucial for the empire's wealth and influence.

Which city became a center of learning and culture during the Mali Empire?

• Gao

• Timbuktu

• Accra

• Fez

Answer explanation

Timbuktu became a renowned center of learning and culture during the Mali Empire, known for its universities and libraries, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.