Geography & Trade
West African Empires
Religion & Culture
Government & Society
Life in Medieval Africa
100

A flat area of land that is higher than the land around it.

What is a Plateau?

100

This was the first major trading empire in West Africa.

What is Ghana?

100

This religion spread to Africa through trade and conquest.

What is Islam?

100

A group of related families who share a common ancestor.

What is a Clan?

100

This was the most important part of African society.

What is Family?

200

This river provided water and fertile land for Egypt.

What is the Nile River?

200

This was the founder of the Mali Empire known as the “Lion King”.

Who was Sundiata Keita?

200

This language formed on the East African coast from a mix of cultures.

What is Swahili?

200

These people helped African kings rule and enforce laws.

Who are Advisors or military leaders?

200

Societies where heritage is traced through the mother.

What is Matrilineal?

300

This desert was a major barrier in Africa but crossed by traders.

What is the Sahara Desert?

300

This city became a center of trade and learning in Mali.

What is Timbuktu?

300

When stories and history are passed down by speaking, not writing.

What is Oral History?

300

These religious laws were used in Mali and Songhai under Muslim rule.

What is Islamic or Sharia Law?

300

This was the first European country to trade slaves outside of Africa.

What is Portugal?

400

This group used camels to cross the Sahara and trade goods.

Who were the Berbers?

400

This ruler of Mali gave away so much gold in Egypt that he changed its economy for several years.

Who was Mansa Musa?

400

African storytellers.

What are Griots?

400

This leader ruled Songhai and created a government with governors and tax collectors.

Who is Askia Muhammad?

400

A Muslim ruler or king.

What is a Sultan?

500

This boat with triangular sails helped trade on the Indian Ocean.

What is a Dhow?

500

This empire eventually became the largest in West African history.

What is Songhai?

500

A family that includes parents, children, grandparents, and other relatives.

What is Extended Family?

500

This made Ghana rich and powerful.

What was taxing trade routes and gold/salt trade?

500

Mansa Musa brought this much gold with him to Egypt.

What is 23,000 pounds or 1.06 billion dollars worth?