Chapter 6: West African Empires

Section 1: Empire of Ghana

1. Where was the ancient empire of Ghana located?

2. How did the early Soninke farmers create a strong state?

3. A) What were the two main trade items in Ghana & B) why were they so highly desired?

4. A)What is “silent bartering” and B) describe 2 reasons it was used:

5. A) How did Ghana’s rulers raise money & B) what did the money pay for?

6. Why was trade safer when Ghana controlled it?

7. Explain the three reasons for Ghana’s decline? a.

Section 2: Empire of Mali

8. After conquering nearby kingdoms, on what did the king of Mali focus?

9. How did Sundiata consolidate political and religious power?

10. To what religion did Mansa Musa belong? 11. Describe two effects of Mansa Musa’s hajj: a.

12. How did Mansa Musa spread his religion throughout Mali?

13. Describe three reasons for the decline of Mali? (why were they soooo bad?) -

Section 3: Empire of Songhai

14. What device helped the Moroccans defeat the Songhai? Why did the Moroccan army invade Songhai?

Section 4: Historical and Artistic Traditions

15. What is oral history and how did Griots affect African culture?

16. Who was Ibn Batuta? When and why did he travel to Africa? What did he think about African culture and Africans?