New civilisations in the Sahel

History

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?

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

The spread of a desert into formerly fertile land.

The creation of towns and cities in a desert.

The changing of desert land into grassland.

Deliberately destroying an enemy's farmlands so that nothing can grow there.

What is the name given to the traditional belief system of people from West Africa?

Complete the sentence: Sundiata Keita was nicknamed the '{{ }} Prince'.

Match the keywords to the correct definition.

Which word best describes Ibn Battuta's reaction to seeing the Mansa taking part in non-Muslim rituals?

The name given to a king's palace in West Africa.

A dry region bordering the southern Sahara Desert.

He sailed along the west coast of Africa.

He rode a horse through the Congo rainforest.

How did the Carthaginian explorer Hanno first make contact with West Africa?

Which religion spread into Africa in the 7th century?

Which two of the following tribes acted as guides for travellers and traders journeying across the Sahara Desert?

Complete the sentence: the Ghana Empire was nicknamed 'the land of {{ }}'.

Place these empires in chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz