New civilisations in the Sahel
I can explain why new civilisations, such as the Mali Empire, emerged across the Sahel.
New civilisations in the Sahel
I can explain why new civilisations, such as the Mali Empire, emerged across the Sahel.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- New civilisations grew up in the Sahel as the Ghana Empire declined and trade increased.
- Trade from new gold fields bypassed the Ghana Empire, which made other kingdoms in the region wealthy and powerful.
- The Mali Empire was one new civilisation which expanded.
- The rulers of Mali and the people who lived in cities were generally followers of Islam.
- The people who lived in the countryside generally retained their traditional religious practices.
Common misconception
All followers of the same religion practise their religion in the same way.
There are often large differences between followers of the same religion: people include elements of their own culture in their worship.
Keywords
Empire - a group of territories ruled over by one person or group of people
Trade - exchange of goods
Mansa - the word used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor
Islam - the religion of Muslim people
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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
a strict Islamic group
first great empire of West Africa
ruled by a sorcerer king
led by Sundiata Keita
a group of territories ruled over by one person or group of people
exchange of goods
the word used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor
the religion of Muslim people