Quiz on Ali Kolon and the Songhai Empire

Who was Ali Kolon?

• He was a Songhai prince who became chief of Gao.

• He was a Malian warrior who conquered Niani.

• He was the leader of the Susu people.

• He was the son of Mansa Musa.

Which city shown on the map was important to both Mali and Songhai?

• Ghat

• Kano

• Djenne

• Timbuktu

Which physical feature was north of the Songhai Empire?

• Niger River

• Atlantic Ocean

• Gulf of Guinea

• Sahara

What good was carried from Timbuktu through Teghaza to Europe?

• furs

• gold

• salt

• wood

How did Sunni Ali expand the Songhai Empire? (5.11, 5.11.b)

• He invited European rulers to visit his palace in Timbuktu.

• He invited Muslim scholars to study at his university in Gao.

• He used his strong military to control travel on the Niger River.

• He used his diplomats to negotiate with neighboring kingdoms.

How did Askia Muhammad improve trade in Songhai? (5.11, 5.11.b)

• He introduced a system of weights and measures.

• He reduced travel time by using sea routes.

• He allowed all people to own gold nuggets.

• He took prisoners from nearby kingdoms.

Why did Askia Muhammad replace ethnic Songhai officials across the empire? (5.8, 5.11, 5.11.b)

• He wanted to end slavery.

• He wanted to spread Islam.

• He wanted to regulate trade.

• He wanted to support education.

How were the social structures of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai similar? Select the two correct answers.

• All politicians were related to the king.

• The intellectual class had special rights.

• Enslaved people held the lowest status.

• Farmers were more important than artisans.

• The army was made up of professional soldiers.

Who does this structure honor?

• Askia Muhammad

• Mansa Maghan

• Sunni Ali

• Ali Kolon

Why is this structure significant?

• It is the largest historical monument in West Africa.

• It was designed by artisans from Granada, Spain.

• It is part of the biggest mosque in the world.

• It was built in less than a year.