History Africa Vocabulary Flashcards
A large political unit with multiple territories under one ruler.
Empire
The title for the emperor of Mali.
Mansa
A religious journey to a sacred place, such as Mansa Musa’s trip to Mecca.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
A major center of trade and learning in Mali.
Timbuktu
A group of traders traveling together across the desert for safety.
Caravan
The economic system that made Ghana and Mali wealthy by exchanging gold for salt.
Gold-Salt Trade
A place of worship in Islam, often built in West African cities.
Mosque
The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.
Cultural Diffusion
The trade network that connected West Africa to North Africa and beyond.
Trans-Saharan Trade
People who buy and sell goods, often traveling long distances for trade.
Merchants
The first major West African empire, known as the ‘Land of Gold.’
Ghana Empire
Empire that became rich by controlling gold and salt trade routes; ruled by Mansa Musa.
Mali Empire
The largest West African empire, eventually defeated by Moroccan invaders.
Songhai Empire
Animals that made long-distance desert trade possible.
Camels
Established paths used by traders to transport goods across different regions.
Trade Routes
