Economic Strategies
What was one way the kings of Ghana grew the economy?
Tax collection from traders.
Which city did traders use to reach Egypt?
Kumbi Saleh
Why was salt valuable in West Africa?
It was essential for preserving food and was in high demand.
What is one characteristic of camels that makes them suitable for desert travel?
They can go long periods without water.
Name one reason for the decline of the Ghana Empire.
Invasions by neighboring tribes or depletion of resources.
How did military strength contribute to the Ghana Empire's economy?
It protected trade routes and ensured safe passage for traders.
What are two reasons camels were ideal for trans-Saharan trade?
They can travel long distances without water and can carry heavy loads.
How did the value of salt compare to precious metals?
Salt was often considered more valuable than gold for its necessity.
How many days can a camel travel without water?
Up to 10 days.
How did changes in trade routes contribute to the decline of Ghana?
Traders began to avoid Ghana due to instability and shifted to other routes.
Why was Kumbi Saleh important to the economy of Ghana?
It was the main city for trade in the empire.
What impact did trade routes have on the Ghana Empire?
They allowed for the exchange of goods and cultural interactions.
Name one commodity that helped Ghana expand its empire.
Gold or salt.
Why are camels referred to as “ships of the desert”?
Because they carry goods across the desert like ships carry goods across the sea.
What role did internal conflict play in the decline of the Ghana Empire?
It weakened the empire and made it vulnerable to outside attacks.
Name one economic strategy that helped the Ghana Empire expand.
Control of trade in gold and salt.
Describe one challenge traders faced when traveling to Egypt.
The harsh desert environment with limited water.
What economic activity highlighted the importance of salt in the Ghana Empire?
Salt trade.
What unique feature do camels have that helps them survive in the desert?
Their ability to store fat in their humps, which can be converted to water.
Describe how the rise of the Mali Empire impacted Ghana.
The Mali Empire took over trade routes and diminished Ghana's economic power.
How did the geographical location of Ghana benefit its economy?
It was located near important trade routes, which facilitated commerce/
How did trade routes contribute to the wealth of the Ghana Empire?
They allowed the empire to trade valuable resources like gold and salt.
Describe how salt impacted the daily life of the people in the Ghana Empire.
It was crucial for food preservation and trade, affecting diet and economy.
How did the domestication of camels affect trade in the Ghana Empire?
It allowed for more efficient long-distance trade across the Sahara
Discuss the long-term effects of the decline of the Ghana Empire on West Africa.
It led to shifts in trade, political power, and the rise of new empires like Mali.