Benchmark #2 (2024-2025)

Which religion spread from the Middle East across North and West Africa by the Trans-Saharan caravan trade?

• Animism

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Islam

What was the most likely cause of this territorial change?

• the conquests of Genghis Khan

• a new treaty between Mongolia and China

• the destruction of Asian trade routes

• the spread of the Tang Dynasty

Which statement completes this chart?

• The northern and southern portions of China each had their own emperor.

• Goods, ideas, and religious ideas spread much faster than before.

• The first Chinese dynasty was established.

• Confucianism became the dominant belief system in China.

Which geographic barrier kept the African Kingdom of Ghana separate from Egypt?

• Gulf of Guinea

• Niger River

• Nile River

• Sahara Desert

Which statement is true about this hierarchy?

• It was a rigid military hierarchy with each group performing a unique role.

• It was a flexible social hierarchy with each group holding similar roles.

• It was an economic hierarchy with each role responsible for a different aspect of trade.

• It was a political hierarchy with each role governing a different aspect of the empire.

Which spiritual traditions were most common among indigenous Africans in West Africa? Select two that apply.

• animism

• ancestor worship

• daily fasting

• festivals

• meditation

How did the geographical location of Constantinople impact the Byzantine Empire?

• It gave the Byzantine Empire access to major trade routes.

• It prevented the Byzantine Empire from expanding outside of Eastern Europe.

• It allowed the Byzantine Empire to increase its influence on Indian civilizations.

• It made it easier for the Byzantine Empire to establish new cities throughout Asia.

Which factor most contributed to the growth of the Kingdom of Ghana?

• isolation from outside influences and potential invaders

• numerous port cities with access to oceanic shipping and trade routes

• access to abundant natural resources and control of trade routes

• weak political and religious leaders who allowed the people to govern themselves

During the Middle Ages, what caused the Arabic language to spread to areas in Europe, Africa, and Asia?

• the invention of the printing press by Islamic scholars

• the expansion of Islamic empires, trade routes, and religious influence

• colonization of civilizations in Europe, Africa, and Asia by Islamic empires

• the mass migration of Islamic scholars into Europe, Africa, and Asia

Which statement best reflects the importance of griots in West African societies?

• Griots emphasized the worth of an individual over the group.

• Griots created an education system.

• Griots were not loyal to any specific tribe or group.

• Griots preserved cultural heritage over generations.