a federation is a country made up of individual states that have control over their own local matters, but are controlled by a central government

Mansa is the word used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor

The successful expansion of medieval Mali

History

Pupils will re-visit their knowledge of the Kingdom of Mali when they move on to study the impact of the slave trade on West Africa (Y8). Pupils will build on their understandings of the importance of trade networks, particularly when they move on to study the growth of Empire (Y9).

Pupils will have a prior understanding of the strength of Islamic empires from studying the Crusades. Pupils will also have an understanding of conquests and warfare through their previous study of Edward I. Finally, pupils will be aware of the role and importance of religion in medieval socieities.

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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

A country made up of individual states that have control over their own local matters, but are controlled by a central government is known as a {{ }}

Mali used its superior army to conquer its neighbours.

Mali used its gold to conquer its neighbours.

Mali used its supply of salt to conquer its neighbours.

How did Mali conquer its neighbours, such as the Jolof in the west and the Songhai in the east. Select the correct statement.

The Mandinke were expert blacksmiths who made strong iron weapons.

Medieval African arrows had poison tips. 

Medieval African bows were more powerful than those used in Asia or Europe.

Why was the Malian military so impressive? Select all of the statements that are correct.

to make sure that the king did not act against the interests of the empire

travel to kingdoms within the empire comparing the work of different Mansas

What was the role of a farimba? Select the statements that are correct

Upon which of the following two commodities did the Mali Empire generate incredible amounts of wealth?

for ornamentation, such as golden bows and arrows

to pay for the construction of buildings 

 to demonstrate their own power and wealth

How did the Malian elite used gold? Select all of the statements that are correct.

Match the words with their definitions. Write the correct letter in each box. 

In which year did Mansa Musa embark on the Hajj?

Which city turned into one of the most important centres of Islamic learning after the Hajj?

How many years did it take for the price of gold to return to its previous level in Egypt?

Four of the descendents of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 

Who returned with Mansa Musa from the Hajj?

This style was used extensively thereafter.

The design showcased the gold of the Mali Empire.

The design featured Mansa Musa, an idea that was used across the Mali Empire.

What was the impact of the creation of the Djinguereber Mosque?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The successful expansion of medieval Mali

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.