Key People
Who was the emperor of Mali famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca?
Mansa Musa
What were the two most important goods traded in trans-Saharan trade?
Gold and salt
What monotheistic religion spread through trans-Saharan trade?
Islam
What major trade network connected West Africa to North Africa?
Trans-Saharan Trade
What language spread throughout West Africa due to trans-Saharan trade?
Arabic
What group of nomadic people played a key role in trans-Saharan trade?
Berbers
What was the main reason for the development of trans-Saharan trade routes?
The need for salt in West Africa and gold in North Africa
How did Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca impact Mali?
It spread Mali’s wealth and attracted scholars and traders
What impact did trans-Saharan trade have on West African communities?
It expanded trade networks, spread Islam, and created new social classes
What were two major impacts of trans-Saharan trade on West African culture?
Spread of Islam and introduction of new goods like textiles and horses
Which city became a major center for trade, scholarship (learning), and Islamic culture in Mali?
Timbuktu
How did trans-Saharan trade routes affect West Africa’s economy?
Made empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai very wealthy
How did Islam influence political systems in West Africa?
Kings adopted Islamic law and administration to strengthen their rule
What were the similarities between the Trans-Saharan Trade and the Silk Road?
Both connected distant regions, boosted economies, and spread religions
Why were camels essential for trans-Saharan trade?
They could store water and survive long desert journeys
What term describes a person dedicated to learning and spreading knowledge, often in religious or academic fields?
Scholar
Why was gold important in trans-Saharan trade?
It was exchanged for salt and other valuable goods, fueling economic growth
Why did Timbuktu become an important cultural center?
It was a hub for trade and Islamic scholarship
Name two cities that flourished due to trans-Saharan trade.
Timbuktu, Gao, Djenné
Name a key difference between the Trans-Saharan Trade and the Silk Road.
The Silk Road relied more on maritime trade and land routes in Asia, while the Trans-Saharan trade relied on camel caravans through the desert.
What religious journey to Mecca is required for Muslims at least once in their lifetime?
Hajj
What innovation made trans-Saharan trade more efficient?
The domestication of camels and improved saddles
How did the spread of Islam help cities like Timbuktu grow?
It led to the building of schools and mosques, making it a center for learning and trade
How did trade lead to urbanization in West Africa?
It led to the growth of cities as trade hubs and cultural centers
What were some of the goods traded besides gold and salt?
Ivory, kola nuts, enslaved people, textiles, and copper