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Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is a vast desert located in North Africa, covering an area of approximately 3.6 million square miles. It is the largest hot desert in the world and is characterized by its extreme aridity, with very little rainfall and high temperatures during the day, and low temperatures at night.

Sahel

The Sahel is a semi-arid region in Africa that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. It is characterized by a mix of grasslands and sparse trees, and is home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups. The region has faced numerous challenges, including drought, desertification, and conflict, but is also rich in natural resources and has significant potential for economic development.

How geography affected trade in west Africa

The geography of West Africa played a significant role in shaping the region's trade patterns. The Sahara Desert acted as a natural barrier, making it difficult for traders to cross and limiting trade between North and West Africa. However, the Niger River provided a vital transportation route for goods, allowing for the growth of trade networks and the development of cities such as Timbuktu.

How early communities and villages developed

Early communities and villages in West Africa developed through a combination of factors such as agriculture, trade, and migration. The region's fertile land and abundant resources allowed for the growth of settled communities that relied on farming and other similar. As trade networks expanded, villages grew into towns and cities, and cultural exchange led to the development of diverse societies. Migration also played a role in the spread of ideas and the formation of new communities.

How the development of iron tools impacted life in West Africa

The development of iron tools in West Africa had a significant impact on the region. Iron tools were more durable and efficient than the previous stone tools, which allowed for more efficient farming and increased food production. This led to the growth of larger and more complex societies, as well as the development of specialized crafts such as blacksmithing. The use of iron tools also facilitated the growth of trade networks, as goods could be produced more efficiently and transported over longer distances. Overall, the development of iron tools played a crucial role in the economic and social development of West Africa.

**Disadvantages and advantages of being part of an empire**

The advantages of being part of an empire include access to resources, protection from external threats, and the potential for economic growth through trade. Empires can also provide a sense of unity and identity among diverse groups of people.

Disadvantages of being part of an empire include loss of autonomy and control over one's own affairs, exploitation of resources and labor, and possible heavy taxes

How the control of trade routes created wealth

The control of trade routes allowed West African empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai to accumulate wealth through the taxation of goods passing through their territories. These empires also established monopolies on certain goods, such as gold and salt, which further increased their wealth. Additionally, the control of trade routes allowed for the spread of cultural and religious ideas, which contributed to the development of these empires.

Importance of the discovery of Jenne-Jen

Jenne-Jeno is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in West Africa. It is believed to be one of the oldest known cities in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to around 250 BC. The discovery of Jenne-Jeno has provided valuable insights into the early development of urbanization in Africa, as well as the complex social and economic systems that existed in the region at the time. It has also shed light on the role that trade played in the development of early African civilizations. Overall, the discovery of Jenne-Jeno has greatly expanded our understanding of the history and culture of West Africa.

Sources of wealth for West African rulers

The West African rulers' sources of wealth varied depending on the region and time period. Some common sources of wealth included control over trade routes, taxation of goods and services, control over natural resources such as gold and salt mines, and tribute from conquered territories. Additionally, some rulers engaged in the slave trade, which was a lucrative source of income.

Matrilineal

the mother or the female line deciding the succession after the death or retirement of a ruler

The king and his court

Governors and Officials helped run everyday life in West Africa

Ghana’s military

Arab visitors wrote of a force of 200,000 soldiers, including 40,000 archers.

How Ghana’s location was an advantage in trade

Ghana's location was an advantage in trade due to its position on the West African coast, which made it a hub for trade between North Africa, Europe, and the rest of West Africa. The country's location allowed it to control the trade routes for gold, salt, and other valuable commodities, which made it a wealthy and powerful kingdom in the medieval period. Additionally, Ghana's location on the coast made it accessible to European traders during the colonial period, which further boosted its trade and economic power.

Important factors in the growth of Trans-Saharan trade

improvements in commercial practices and technological innovation allowed the amount of trade to increase.

Silent-barter system

The Silent-barter system was a method of trade used in West Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries, where goods were exchanged without any verbal communication between traders. Instead, traders would use a system of drums to negotiate and agree on the terms of the trade. This system was used to facilitate trade between different ethnic groups who spoke different languages and had different customs.

Causes of Ghana’s decline

The King lost his trading monopoly. At the same time drought was beginning to have a long term effect on the land and its ability to sustain cattle and cultivation. But the Empire of Ghana was also under pressure from outside forces, including war

Changes in religion and preservation of traditional practices

the dead were more respected than what was customary in Islam

Impact of Mansa Musa’s Hajj

It allowed for Islam to grow in West Africa

Impact of Islam on the Government

Islam promoted trade between West Africa and the Mediterranean as well as promoting the use of arabic.

Importance of Timbuktu

Timbuktu was a center of Islamic scholarship under several African empires as well as being a center for trade in West Africa

Use of various languages in West Africa

The use of various languages in West Africa was common due to the region's diverse ethnic groups and cultures. Many West African countries have multiple official languages, including Arabic, in addition to numerous indigenous languages. This linguistic diversity has contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Al-Saheli’s house design

rectangle brick houses, flat roofs plain outside walls, no windows, 1 door that is decorated

Importance of geometric designs in art

it breaks up the monotonous brick

why is oral tradition important

it allows us to learn about ancient west africa

impact of folktales

used to teach important lessons

influence of west african music today

some of the instruments are used in modern music

use of masks

often used in ceremonies

terra-cotta and it’s uses

baked clay used to make sculptures

kente cloth

colorful cloth made of small strands of silk or other fabrics