Rise and Decline of Great Empires

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Questions and Answers

What contributed to the rise of the Ghana Empire?

The defeat of surrounding tribes

Its central location between gold and salt mines (correct)

A vast agricultural network

The strength of its military forces

What was a primary reason for the decline of the Mali Empire?

Alien invasions disrupting trade

Civil war after the death of Mansa Musa (correct)

Overreliance on foreign traders

Natural disasters causing famine

Which resource was NOT commonly imported by Axum?

Metal goods

Olive oil

Cloth

Ivory (correct)

What was the key factor in the trade dynamics of Africa’s great empires?

Access to gold and salt Signup and view all the answers

How did religion influence the trade practices in the Ghana Empire?

Kings converted to Islam to enhance trade relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What was an impact of the rise of Islam on the traditional beliefs in the Ghana Empire?

Integration of traditional beliefs with Islamic practices Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is incorrect regarding the Songhai Empire's rise?

It was established by a coalition of tribes. Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the downfall of the Songhai Empire?

Northern African invaders and Moroccans Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Africa's land area is covered by rainforests?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes savannas in Africa?

Dotted with plantations and have high temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the development of trading cities by the Nok people?

Surplus of food from efficient farming Signup and view all the answers

What event significantly disrupted the trade in Ghana during the 1100s?

Invasion by North African forces Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature covers most of Africa?

Plateaus and flat lands Signup and view all the answers

How did ironworking specifically affect the Nok culture?

Increased farming efficiency and weapon strength Signup and view all the answers

During which centuries did Ghana reach its height in wealth and power?

800-900 CE Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Sundiata's rise to power in Mali?

Reinforcement of Islamic learning and commerce Signup and view all the answers

What principal factor contributed to the rise of Mali under Sundiata Keita?

Control over gold mines Signup and view all the answers

Under whose rule did Mali double in size?

Mansa Musa Signup and view all the answers

Which action is attributed to Mansa Musa that supported Islamic culture?

Building mosques and learning centers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the gold and salt trade for the Ghana Empire?

Taxed caravans passing through its territory Signup and view all the answers

What key actions did Askia Muhammad take to reinforce Islamic law in his empire?

Ordered local courts to follow Muslim laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the fall of the Songhai Empire?

Invasion by Morocco Signup and view all the answers

What was Timbuktu primarily known for during the time of the Mali and Songhai empires?

A center of Islamic learning Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sunni Ali play in the Songhai Empire?

He was the first king and initiated military conquests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Essential Questions about the Rise and Decline of Great Empires

Ghana's Rise: Strategic location between gold and salt mines led to wealth and prosperity.
Ghana's Fall: Northern invaders and subsequent conquest by Mali.
Mali's Rise: Leader Sundiata Keita, credited by griots for the empire's rise; Mansa Musa's reign further boosted the empire.
Mali's Fall: Civil war following Mansa Musa's death.
Songhai's Rise: Broke away from Mali, profiting from the gold and salt trade.
Songhai's Fall: Invaded by the Moroccans.

Trade Routes and Partners

Axum's Role: Important trading hub connecting Africa, the Mediterranean, and India.
Exported Goods: Ivory, incense, and enslaved people.
Imported Goods: Cloth, metal goods, and olive oil.
1300s Trade: African traders exchanged goods with inland states, including silk, glass beads, carpets, pottery for minerals, ivory, and coconut oil.
Importance of Salt: Crucial for Trans-Saharan trade; needed for preserving food and replenishing lost minerals.

Impact of Religion on Empires

Traditional African Religions: Challenged by Islam in the 700s CE.
Conversion to Islam: Rulers converted in the 1000s CE; population's conversion followed in the 1400s CE, influencing Islamic laws and learning.
Trans-Saharan Trade: Catalyst for the spread of Islam into Ghana which strengthened relationships with Muslim traders.

Ghana's Wealth and Decline

Factors for Wealth: Military dominance over producers and traders of gold and salt, leading to wealth and power.
800s-900s CE: Height of Ghana's prosperity.
1100s CE: Disruptions in trade by invaders.
1200 CE: Conquest by Mali.

Mali's Rise and Mansa Musa's Contributions

Sundiata Keita: Credited with establishing Mali; unified the people and gained control of gold mines.
Mansa Musa: Further expanded Mali; supported Muslim scholars and artists.
Centers of Learning: Mansa Musa's patronage for learning and the construction of mosques.
Significance of Trade: Mansa Musa's extensive travels boosted Mali's wealth and reputation..

Gold and Salt Trade's Impact

Ghana: Taxed caravans travelling through their territory.
Mali: Monopolized the salt and gold trade making them very wealthy.
Importance: Contributed significantly to the immense wealth of West African empires.
Trans-Saharan Trade: Network facilitating exchanges of goods, ideas, and culture.

Sunni Ali and Askia the Great, and the Fall of Songhai

Sunni Ali: Became Muslim to gain support; strengthened rule.
Askia Muhammad: Consolidated Islamic learning centers; setup schools and universities.
Fall of Songhai: Factors such as invasion by Moroccans, internal conflicts, economic decline, famine, and corruption.

Islam's Influence

Urban Centers: Islam's influence started in urban centers and the ruling class.
Kings and Rulers: Converts to Islam, while others did not convert and still patronized Islamic institutions.
Merchant Elite: Primarily Muslim often the most influential merchants in the empires.

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Description

Explore the essential questions surrounding the rise and fall of significant Empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. This quiz delves into key factors that influenced their prosperity and decline, as well as the crucial trade routes connecting them to the broader world.