Gold and the West African economy
I can explain why gold was so important to the West African economy.
Gold and the West African economy
I can explain why gold was so important to the West African economy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gold was the main resource traded in the Sahel.
- Empires in the Sahel could make a large profit from this trade.
- The Ghana and Mali empires indirectly controlled the goldfields through trade.
- The trade enriched the Islamic ruling elite of the Mali Empire.
- The Mali Empire used its wealth from the gold trade to improve its levels of knowledge and understanding.
Common misconception
Empires have to own land in order to control it.
Control can be gained through a variety of indirect means, such as through trade or tribute.
Keywords
Islam - Islam is the religion of Muslim people
Elite - the elite are the group of people who hold power
Mine - a mine is an excavation in the earth to extract minerals
Trade - trade means the exchange of goods
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the religion of Muslim people.
the group of people who hold power.
an excavation in the earth to extract minerals.