Gold and the West African economy

History

Trade routes throughout West Africa

New civilisations in the Sahel

Islam in medieval West Africa

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage

The successful expansion of medieval Mali

In this unit, pupils studied the economy and religion of 14th century West Africa. In 'Transatlantic Slavery: how were West African societies impacted?', pupils will explain how the Transatlantic Slave Trade had a profoundly disruptive effect on West African societies.

In '11th century Islamic worlds: how similar were the regions of the Islamic world?', pupils saw that Islamic states were established across parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. In this unit, pupils will understand that Islam spread to parts of West Africa and that successful Islamic states, such as the Mali Empire, were established there.

In this unit, pupils learn about the success of medieval Mali, with a focus on the second-order concept of causation. They build knowledge of the West African landscape and the role it played in Mali's rise. They will also learn about the rise of Islam in the region and Mansa Musa's pilgrimage.

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?

Gold and the West African economy

Lesson outcome