Ancient African Civilizations Study Sheet

Vocabulary flashcards covering West African kingdoms, trade networks, currency, and centers of learning, plus early Christian influence in Axum/Ethiopia.

What West African empire gained much of its wealth trading gold and salt via trans-Saharan routes, with Timbuktu becoming a center of Islamic scholarship?

Mali

What were the extensive trade networks that crossed the Sahara Desert, often using camels, to link West Africa with North Africa and beyond?

Trans‑Saharan caravan routes

Name two vital commodities that were major sources of West African wealth when traded across the Sahara.

Gold and Salt

Which city in Mali/Songhai became a major center for both Islamic scholarship and the trade of gold and salt?

Timbuktu

What West African empire, situated along the Niger River, was active in trans-Saharan caravans and included Timbuktu as a key scholarly center?

Songhai

What type of currency and trade item was widely used across West Africa, especially in long-distance exchange?

Cowrie shells

Which West African kingdom was known for its overland trade using porters and maritime trade with Europeans, dealing in items like bronze, ivory, and slaves?

Benin

Benin was renowned for its sophisticated artisanal craftsmanship, particularly its \_ sculptures.

Bronze (sculptures)

Besides bronze, what other valuable commodities were traded by Benin?

Ivory and Slaves

What West African kingdom was recognized for its overland trade routes, significant gold production, and elaborate artistic gold work, including items like gold weights?

Ashanti

Which West African polity utilized camel caravans across the Sahara and was central to the trade of gold and salt, with Kumbi serving as a major trading district?

Ghana (kingdom)

What Egyptian city was a major hub of research and a crucial port connecting the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade routes?

Alexandria

How do Axum and Ethiopia change the narrative of Christian History and the idea that Christianity is primarily a “White Man’s Religion?”

Axum (modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea) adopted Christianity in the 4th century CE, making it one of the oldest Christian states. Its continuous practice of Christianity, largely independent of European influence for centuries, demonstrates the religion's ancient and indigenous roots in Africa, highlighting its diverse global history and challenging Eurocentric narratives.