Gold and the West African economy
I can explain why gold was so important to the West African economy.
Gold and the West African economy
I can explain why gold was so important to the West African economy.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gold was the main resource traded in the Sahel.
- Empires in the Sahel could make a large profit from this trade.
- The Ghana and Mali empires indirectly controlled the goldfields through trade.
- The trade enriched the Islamic ruling elite of the Mali Empire.
- The Mali Empire used its wealth from the gold trade to improve its levels of knowledge and understanding.
Keywords
Islam - Islam is the religion of Muslim people
Elite - the elite are the group of people who hold power
Mine - a mine is an excavation in the earth to extract minerals
Trade - trade means the exchange of goods
Common misconception
Empires have to own land in order to control it.
Control can be gained through a variety of indirect means, such as through trade or tribute.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the religion of Muslim people.
the group of people who hold power.
an excavation in the earth to extract minerals.