Vocabulary
A large area of grassland with scattered trees, common in Africa’s interior.
Savannah
This dry, semi-arid region just south of the Sahara serves as a transition zone to the savanna.
Sahel
This kingdom grew rich from the gold-salt trade and controlled much of West Africa.
Ghana
The most famous ruler of the Mali Empire, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Mansa Musa
The primary resource that fueled the rise of the Ghana Empire.
Gold
A flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area.
Plateau
Much of Africa sits on this elevated landform.
Plateau
This kingdom rose to power after Ghana's collapse and became a center of Islamic learning.
Mali
This powerful military leader expanded the Songhai Empire.
Sunni Ali
The major commodity brought to West Africa by North African traders
Salt
A West African storyteller, historian, and musician who passes down oral traditions.
Griot
This major cash crop, grown in tropical climates, became a key part of the slave trade.
Sugarcane
This kingdom became the largest empire in West Africa under powerful military leadership.
Songhai
This leader strengthened Islam and education in the Songhai Empire
Askia Muhammad
This type of trader played a key role in spreading Islam to West Africa
Arab Traders
A traditional sailboat used by Arab traders on the Indian Ocean.
Dhow
The type of history passed down by word of mouth rather than being written down.
Oral History
The kingdom that declined due to internal rebellion and outside invasion.
Ghana
The first king of Ghana to control significant trade routes in African West
Dinga Cisse
The traditional sailboat used for trade on the Indian Ocean.
Dhow
A culture and language that blends African and Arab influences, found mostly along the East African coast.
Swahili
The system where family lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side
Matrilineal
This empire fell due to civil war and Moroccan invasion.
Songhai
Known for consolidating power and creating a centralized government in Songhai.
Askia Muhammad
The type of economic system that relied heavily on trading goods and services without a formal currency.
Barter System