the Hajj is the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage

History

Trade routes throughout West Africa

New civilisations in the Sahel

Gold and the West African economy

Islam in medieval West Africa

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?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Which keyword is the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca?

Over how many kings did Mansa Musa have control over in the Mali Empire?

He was a Muslim and performing the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.

He wanted to show off the wealth and power of the Mali Empire to the world.

He believed it would open up new trade opportunities.

The journey across the Sahara was impossible and he wanted to show his strength.

Why was Mansa Musa was eager to perform the Hajj? Select all of the correct answers.

In which country did Mansa Musa give away so much gold as gifts and overpaid for so many items with gold dust that he (accidentally) collapsed the economy?

Abu al-Sahili returned with him and designed the Djinguereber Mosque.

He increased the legitimacy of the empire as an Islamic nation.

Timbuktu turned into one of the most important centres of Islamic learning. 

What were the consequences of Mansa Musa's Hajj? Select all of the statements that are correct.

In what city was the  Islamic religion founded in 610 CE?

Which of the below were the nomadic tribes who converted to Islam once it had spread to North Africa in 665 CE?

Islam founded by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 

Ghana Empire displays evidence of strong Islamic connections

Order these events, starting with the earliest.

What is one of the characteristics that Islam most values?

What became prized possessions following the spread of Islam in the Mali Empire?

Starter Quiz