Gold and the West African economy

History

Pupils will re-visit their knowledge of the Kingdom of Mali when they move on to study the impact of the slave trade on West Africa (Y8). Pupils will build on their understandings of the importance of trade networks, particularly when they move on to study the growth of Empire (Y9).

Pupils will have a prior understanding of the strength of Islamic empires from studying the Crusades. Pupils will also have an understanding of conquests and warfare through their previous study of Edward I. Finally, pupils will be aware of the role and importance of religion in medieval socieities.

Medieval West Africa: why was medieval Mali so successful?

an excavation in the earth to extract minerals.

Match the words with their definitions. Write the correct letter in each box.

 The keyword meaning the exchange of goods is {{ }}. 


by only allowing their citizens to dig for gold

 How did the Ghana and Mali empires control the goldfields of West Africa?

Who drove the demand for West African gold?

What did the Mansa carry as symbols of his authority?

The Sankore Mosque, a centre of Islamic religion and learning, was improved

The Djinguereber Mosque was built in 1327 and held many books

 the dogs of the Malian elite wore gold collars

500 enslaved people carried staffs of pure gold when Mansa Musa went to Mecca

Which of the following statements accurately describes how the riches of the Mali empire were displayed? Select all the answers that are correct.

 This keyword is used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor. 

This keyword is a group of territories ruled over by one person or group of people.

Which religion did the rulers of Mali and the people who lived in the trade cities generally followers?

Sundiata Keita allowed of the kingdoms to be granted some independence.

Which of the following sentences accurately describes how Sundiata Keita ruled the Mali Empire? Select the two correct answers.

 The gold miners refused to dig for gold unless they could follow their beliefs.

His subjects happily to convert to Islam.

Mansa Musa learnt the importance of tolerance of different beliefs.

What happened when Mansa Musa tried to ensure his subjects all converted to Islam? Select the two correct answers.

Which famous Muslim scholar and explorer from North Africa did not approve of religious compromise?

Starter Quiz