0.1.0 Sahelian Empires of Western Sudan Flashcards
Source for historic knowledge of Ghana.
Al-Bakri, archaeological finds at Kumbi Saleh
What was the succession system of Ghana?
Matrilineally through the king’s sister.
What was the hierarchy of Ghana society?
King > Merchants > Craftsmen > Farmers
Trade commodities.
Salt, cloth, metal (copper) exchanged for gold and kola nuts
What was Ghana’s main commodity?
Gold.
It was called the “land of gold”.
How did iron shape empires over this large time period?
Iron –> tools and weapons
Led to expanded empires w/ more centralised systems.
What was Ghana’s capital?
Kumbi
What events led to Ghana’s decline?
- Loss of Awdaghast to Almoravid in c.1054.
- Loss of Kumbi in 1076.
- Declined by late 12th C.
What clan ruled Mali?
Keita clan
How did Mali rise to power?
Using the gold trade, like Ghana.
Who founded Mali?
Sundiata Keita
What is the name of the ruler of Mali?
Mansa
What was the capital of Mali?
Niani
How did Mali create a surplus of food?
Used captives for plantation labour on the Niger delta.
True or false: the Keita clan was muslim.
True
What significant trade centres did Mali control?
Gao (after 1285), Walata, Kjenne
What was the population of Gao?
100,000
When did the Mali conquer Gao?
1285
When did Mansa Musa rule?
Early 14th C
1312-1337
What was the size of Mansa Musa’s army?
100,000
When did Mansa Musa do his famous hajj?
1324-25
What was the name of the Islamic schools in Timbuktu?
The madrasas
They were culturally important and recognised as the main hubs of learning in the Sahel.
Why was the Niger important to Mali?
- Food transportation
*Trading networks
Why did Mail decline?
- Military dissention
- Escape of Gao princes.
- Loss of Timbuktu to Tuaregs
How did the military system of Mali contribute to its decline?
Its military was split between north and south commanders, who were independent. This led to tyranny and violence.
