The Rise and Trade of the Empire of Ghana in Ancient Africa

The Empire of Ghana, established in 300 A.D., controlled trade across the Sahara, becoming wealthy through taxes. The city of Sijilmesa in Northern Africa played a key role in trade and the spread of Islam. Ghana expanded its territory and traded goods like gold and copper. The city of Autogast, captured by Ghana, was wealthy and well-described by Al-Bakri. As Ghana declined, the Mali Empire took over its trade routes, enriching both West and North Africa.

When was the Empire of Ghana first established?

• 770 A.D.

• 300 A.D.

• 990 A.D.

• 1000 A.D.

Which city in Northern Africa became a key trade hub in the Berber kingdom?

• Autogast

• Sijilmesa

• Cairo

• Timbuktu

What religion did the Berbers bring to the Empire of Ghana?

• Hinduism

• Judaism

• Christianity

• Islam

Which of the following was NOT a good transported via the trade routes?

• Silk

• Kola nuts

• Copper

• Gold

What resource did the Empire of Ghana exchange for luxury goods?

• Iron ore

• Spices

• Silk

• Silver

By 1000 A.D., which city did the Empire of Ghana capture?

• Autogast

• Timbuktu

• Cairo

• Sijilmesa

What was the primary currency used in the market of Autogast?

• Silver

• Copper

• Iron

• Gold

Which region did the Empire of Ghana expand into by 1000 A.D.?

• South into the Congo

• North into the Sahara

• West past the Senegal River

• East into the Nile

Which empire took over many of the trade routes after the decline of Ghana?

• Songhai

• Morocco

• Mali

• Egypt

What was a significant effect of the trade structures between West and North Africans?

• Decrease in trade activities

• Isolation of the Empire of Ghana

• Enrichment and expansion of empires

• Decline of the Berber kingdoms