West African Empires and Their Influence

The video explores the rich history of medieval West Africa, focusing on the three great empires: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. These empires thrived due to their strategic control of trade routes and natural resources like salt, ivory, and gold. The geographical features of the region, including the Niger and Senegal rivers, contributed to their economic and military success. However, the Songhai Empire's reign ended in 1591 when Morocco invaded, marking the fall of the last great West African empire.

What is one of the unique architectural features of Timbuktu?

• Glass skyscrapers

• Stone castles

• Mud brick mosques

• Wooden temples

What was a key cultural influence of the medieval West African empires?

• European architecture

• Traditional hand-woven mud cloth

• Chinese silk

• Persian rugs

Which geographical feature provided irrigation and transportation in West Africa?

• The Nile River

• The Niger and Senegal Rivers

• The Atlantic Ocean

• The Sahara Desert

Which empire was the first to control West Africa?

• Songhai Empire

• Ghana Empire

• Moroccan Empire

• Mali Empire

Which empire controlled West Africa from around 500 until 1076?

• Ghana Empire

• Moroccan Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Mali Empire

Which empire began in 1469 and lasted until 1591?

• Ghana Empire

• Moroccan Empire

• Mali Empire

• Songhai Empire

What was a significant factor in the economic success of the West African empires?

• Colonization of Europe

• Advanced technology

• Control of natural resources like salt, ivory, and gold

• Industrialization

Which empire was the last of the three great empires of West Africa?

• Moroccan Empire

• Songhai Empire

• Mali Empire

• Ghana Empire

What event marked the end of the Songhai Empire?

• A civil war

• A severe drought

• Invasion by the North African kingdom of Morocco

• The rise of the Mali Empire