The kingdoms of the Sahel
I can explain how trade across the Sahel made West African Kingdoms richer, but also brought some problems.
The kingdoms of the Sahel
I can explain how trade across the Sahel made West African Kingdoms richer, but also brought some problems.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Sahel was home to kingdoms rich in culture and wealth such as Mali, Kano and Mossi.
- The Sahel was rich in gold which was the basis of trade between West African kingdoms and Islamic states.
- West African kingdoms traded gold in exchange for textiles, meaning a unequal trade with wealth leaving West Africa.
- The trade across the Sahel attracted thieves and robbers increasing violence in the region.
- Europeans arrived in West Africa from the 1440s looking for gold.
Common misconception
European merchants arrived in West Africa with the intention of starting to enslave people.
European merchants were attracted by the potential amount of gold they would be able to trade in West Africa.
Keywords
The Sahel - the Sahel is a dry region bordering the southern Sahara Desert
Mansa - Mansa is the word used in the kingdom of Mali to refer to the ruler
Devout - to be devout is to show strong religious commitment
Oral tradition - oral tradition is a form of communication where ideas and knowledge are shared by word of mouth
Caravan - a caravan is a group of merchants travelling together on a long journey through a desert
Content guidance
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
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).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a dry region bordering the southern Sahara Desert
the word used in the Kingdom of Mali to refer to the ruler
to show strong religious commitment
when ideas and knowledge are shared by word of mouth
a group of merchants on a long journey through the desert