the Sahel is a dry region bordering the southern Sahara Desert

Mansa is the word used in the kingdom of Mali to refer to the ruler

to be devout is to show strong religious commitment

oral tradition is a form of communication where ideas and knowledge are shared by word of mouth

a caravan is a group of merchants travelling together on a long journey through a desert

The kingdoms of the Sahel

History

These studies will be crucial in helping to inform pupils on the legacies of slavery and Empire. This will be useful when considering the Haitain Revolution and its role in the abolition of slavery 

Pupils will have an understanding of West African empires prior to European contact from their study of medieval Mali

Transatlantic Slavery: how were West African societies impacted?

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

a dry region bordering the southern Sahara Desert

the word used in the Kingdom of Mali to refer to the ruler

when ideas and knowledge are shared by word of mouth

a group of merchants on a long journey through the desert

Match the words with the correct definitions.

What word describes someone who shows strong religious commitment?

writing lots of books about the Mali kingdom

Which of the following best explains what Mansa Musa is remembered for?

How many royal servants did Mansa Musa take with him on his pilgrimage to Mecca?

caravans were attacked by thieves and robbers

caravans were attacked by opposing kingdoms

Which of the following were major problems in the Sahel?

What have historians focused on in the absence of written records about some West African kingdoms?

Where in the world would you find the Kingdom of Mali?

When European explorers and merchants arrived in West Africa in the 1400s, what did they plan to do?

Which of the following kingdoms were located in West Africa?

Which religion was spreading from the Middle East to West Africa in the 13th and 14th centuries?

Trading expensive goods for less valuable goods

Keeping control of valuable areas, like gold mines

Sharing control of valuable areas, like gold mines

Building and maintaining trade routes across several continents

Resisting trade with other kingdoms and groups of merchants

Which of the following explains what makes a kingdom stronger?

West African communities come together to form small states.

Some small states come together to form kingdoms in West Africa.

Kingdoms grow richer from controlling gold mines and trade in the area.

Europeans hear of rich West African kingdoms.

European merchants arrive in West Africa to trade.

Put these events in chronological order, starting with the earliest.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz