Empires & Kingdoms
Name three major trading empires that developed in West Africa between 800-1600 CE
Ghana, Mali, Songhai
What region lies between the desert to the north and the forest to the south?
The Savannah or Sudan region
What was the main trade route connecting North and West Africa?
The Trans-Saharan Trade
Who ruled the Yoruba towns or kingdoms?
The Oba
What was the basic social unit in West African society?
The family
Which ruler expanded the Mali empire and made Timbuktu a center of learning?
Mansa Musa
Why couldn’t people in the Dense Tropical Forest region keep cattle or horses?
Because of the tsetse fly, which killed these animals.
Name two goods traded by the Savannah people.
Gold, salt, ivory, leather goods, or fabrics
What group in Oyo could force the king to commit suicide if he performed poorly?
The Oyo Mesi
What did the West Africans believe about the dead?
That they joined the ancestors and could offer advice to the living
Which Kingdom was known for its Golden Stool symbolizing the unity of its people?
The Ashanti (Asante) Kingdom
Name two crops commonly grown in the Savannah region.
Rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, or yams
What items were used as currency in West Africa?
Cowrie shells, gold dust, and copper or iron bars
What was the role of the Ogboni in Oyo politics?
To review and approve the Oyo Mesi’s decisions
What religion spread to West Africa in the 9th–10th century through trade?
Islam
What empire conquered Mali in 1513 and became the largest in West Sudan?
The Songhai Empire
What natural feature helped separate forest and savannah peoples?
Poor communication due to dense forests
Who were the local merchants that traded goods across the desert by camel?
The Dyula
What was unique about the Akan political structure?
It was matrilineal and governed by a king, queen mother, and council of elders
What were the roles of priests in West African societies?
They acted as healers, spiritual leaders, and interpreters of divine will
Which Yoruba state became the most dominant by the early 15th century?
The Oyo Empire
What were the Akan people mainly known for trading?
Gold
What did the forest people trade to the north?
Gold, ebony, leopard skin, and pepper
What title was given to the king of Benin who was believed to be descended from the gods?
The Oba
Name two gods worshipped in West African religion.
Shango (thunder) and Ogun (war)