study west africa Flashcards
Why did people have to settle south of the Sahara?
It was too dry.
Why did people in different vegetation zones have to trade with each other?
Different resources were found in each zone
Why was the Niger river important for trade?
It was a transportation route.
How did cities become kingdoms?
City rulers conquer other cities.
What were the advantages and disadvantages of becoming an empire?
Armies made sure that trade routes were safe. They kept out foreign armies and raiders. Wars between small cities ended. People living in conquered areas had to pay tribute, and the men had to serve in the army.
What major natural resource did Ghana have?
gold.
Which of these factors caused the resources of Ghana to decline?
iron furnaces for which people cut trees for fuel
Which event in Kumbi, in Ghana, in 1076 contributed to the spread of Islam?
conquest by the Almoravids
Why did Islam spread fairly easily in Mali?
People in Mali blended Islam with their traditional religions.
What was the city of Timbuktu especially well known?
its community of scholars
How did Timbuktu gain popularity and grow to become a large learning center?
When Mansa Musa traveled to Mecca, he gave gold to everyone he met, and invited scholars and architects to join him back in Timbuktu, promising large payments for their services.
What is animism and ancestor worship?
Animism: the worship of objects of nature which are given a spiritual nature
Ancestor worship: where people communicate with ancestors and the spirits provided guidance and ensured peace in the empire
How was Songhai able to conquer Mali?
The empire of Mali weakened after the death of Mansa Musa, and Songhai attacked, conquering Mali.
Describe the importance of justice in Mali, and the result on overall safety:
People in Mali were rarely unjust, and the sultan showed no mercy with guilty people, creating a very safe kingdom
The trans-Saharan trade increased after about 300 C.E. as a result of what?
Introduction of camels.
