Medieval West Africa: why was medieval Mali so successful?
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Why this why now
This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge of non-European civilisations and societies that they developed in key stages 1 and 2. It also develops their year 5 and 7 knowledge about the spread of Islam. If they studied Benin, this unit provides an additional West African reference point for their future study of the region. This unit prepares pupils for the next unit, as it outlines various trade connections that are revisited. It also prepares pupils for the year 8 unit about how West African societies were impacted by the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils know that powerful empires have existed across the globe throughout history.
- Pupils know that empires must be rich, militarily strong and well-governed in order to be successful over time.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge of non-European civilisations and societies that they developed in key stages 1 and 2. It also develops their year 5 and 7 knowledge about the spread of Islam. If they studied Benin, this unit provides an additional West African reference point for their future study of the region. This unit prepares pupils for the next unit, as it outlines various trade connections that are revisited. It also prepares pupils for the year 8 unit about how West African societies were impacted by the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils know that powerful empires have existed across the globe throughout history.
- Pupils know that empires must be rich, militarily strong and well-governed in order to be successful over time.
Medieval West Africa: why was medieval Mali so successful?
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.
6 lessons in unit
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