Ghana's Empire
What was the capital of the Ghana Empire?
Kumbi Saleh
Who founded the Mali Empire?
Sundiata Keita
Which desert did traders cross to reach West Africa?
Sahara Desert
What religion influenced Ghana and Mali?
Islam
What did Ghana's kings and Mali's kings have in common regarding gold?
Only kings were allowed to own gold nuggets
How did Ghana's kings make money from merchants?
By collecting taxes from traders
What did Sundiata establish to bring peace and order to Mali?
A strong central government
Which two goods helped Ghana and Mali become wealthy?
Gold and salt
What does the vocabulary word imam mean?
A Muslim worship leader
Why were traders willing to risk crossing the Sahara?
They could become wealthy from trading goods
Why was Kumbi Saleh an important trading city?
It was located at the center of several trade routes
How did Sundiata help Mali become wealthy?
He gained control of gold mines and trade routes
How did Timbuktu's location make it a center for trade?
It was near the Niger River and the Sahara
Why did Mansa Musa travel to Mecca?
To complete the religious pilgrimage required of Muslims who are able
Why was Mali's acceptance of Islam important?
It increased trade and encouraged the development of universities
How did camels help Ghana become wealthy?
They made transporting goods across the Sahara possible
What were two accomplishments of Sundiata outside of battle?
Establishing central government and controlling trade routes
Why did the price of gold continue to rise?
Europeans needed more gold to make coins
How did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage affect Mali's reputation?
Stories of his wealth spread to other parts of the world
What internal and external factors weakened Mali?
Internal power struggles, rival kingdoms taking trade routes, and competition from Portuguese merchants
How did controlling gold and trade routes help Ghana become powerful?
Ghana earned wealth from gold and taxes on trade, strengthening the kingdom
How was Mali similar to Ghana? Give TWO similarities.
Both grew wealthy from gold-salt trade and were influenced by Muslim merchants and scholars
How did the rising price of gold affect Mali?
Mali became wealthier because it controlled important gold mines
What were three ways Mali benefited from Mansa Musa's rule?
Expanded trade and territory; construction of mosques, schools, libraries, and universities
How did strong leaders change West Africa? Use Sundiata and Mansa Musa as evidence.
Sundiata established Mali and strengthened its government and trade; Mansa Musa increased its influence, wealth, and Islamic learning