Ghana Empire: Geography, Economics, and Government

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What was the main product marketed by the Ghana Empire throughout the world?

Gold

Where was the capital of the Ghana Empire located?

Koumbi Saleh

How did the king of Ghana maintain order and protect his people?

He had a large army of 200,000 Warriors

Who was the king known for his luxurious court decorated with gold?

Tunka Manin Signup and view all the answers

In which region was the Ghana Empire located?

West Africa Signup and view all the answers

What rivers did the Ghana Empire lie between?

Senegal and Niger rivers Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for the Soninke people to establish the Ghana Empire?

To protect themselves from nomadic traders who wanted to steal their land and water. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement enabled the people of Ghana to make powerful agricultural tools and weapons?

The discovery of iron. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the traders who came to Ghana?

Berbers or North African Muslim traders who used camels to transport goods across the desert. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two resources that were the subject of intense trade in Ghana?

Salt and gold. Signup and view all the answers

What was the importance of salt in the trade with Ghana?

Salt was necessary for survival, used to preserve food, and was sometimes used as money. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ghana become rich through trade?

Ghana became rich through trade by collecting taxes from the merchants who passed through and by taxing neighboring tribes with the promise of protection. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial religious belief of the people of Ghana?

Animism, the belief that plants, objects, and natural phenomena could have a soul. Signup and view all the answers

What was the practice of seeking guidance from revered deceased relatives called?

Ancestor worship. Signup and view all the answers

What religion influenced part of the Ghana Empire and North Africa over time?

Islam. Signup and view all the answers

What resources did the merchants carry besides gold and salt?

Copper, silver, cloth, and spices. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the young man who overthrew the weakened emperor of Ghana?

Sundiata Signup and view all the answers

What nickname was given to the young man who overthrew the weakened emperor of Ghana?

Hero Signup and view all the answers

What was the title given to the ruler of the Mali Empire?

Mansa Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Mali Empire grow along, allowing for a successful agricultural empire and control of trade?

Niger River Signup and view all the answers

At its peak, how did the size of the Empire of Mali compare to Texas?

Almost twice the size Signup and view all the answers

What did Sundiata do after conquering Ghana and expanding the empire?

Took control of all the gold mines Signup and view all the answers

What crops did the king introduce for agriculture?

beans, onions, rice, cotton Signup and view all the answers

What kind of clothing was manufactured from the introduced crop?

comfortable and light clothing Signup and view all the answers

What was the city of Niani known for under the king's control?

a shopping center with a booming economy Signup and view all the answers

What did the people of Mali hate more than any other town?

injustice Signup and view all the answers

What did the king do to ensure total security in his country?

divided his empire into different provinces, appointed governors and mayors Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Mansas in Mali?

political and religious leaders Signup and view all the answers

What did Mansa Musa bring with him on his journey to Cairo, Egypt?

50,000 men and almost a hundred camels carrying gold Signup and view all the answers

What did Mansa Musa do along his path to spread news of his generosity?

gave gold to everyone he found Signup and view all the answers

What did Mansa Musa do to grow Timbuktu into a learning center?

invited academics and architects, promising substantial payments Signup and view all the answers

What religious practice did the king commonly follow?

animism, worship of objects of nature with spiritual nature Signup and view all the answers