Trade Across the Sahara Desert and the Kingdom of Mali

Flashcards about the trade across the Sahara Desert and the Kingdom of Mali.

What was the Kingdom of Mali?

The most powerful kingdom in Africa during the 14th century.

Where did Arab traders bring their goods?

Across the Sahara Desert into West Africa.

What two types of beliefs influenced Africans in Mali?

Islam and their ancestral beliefs.

Who was Mansa Musa?

A good ruler during the height of Mali's power.

What did Timbuktu develop into?

A thriving center of trade and a learning center.

What enabled Mansa Musa to turn Timbuktu into a learning center?

Wealth generated from trade.

What is Timbuktu today?

A World Heritage site.

Who traveled south along the Trans-Saharan trade route?

Arabs from North Africa.

What kind of caravans did groups of traders travel in?

Camel caravans.

What made crossing the Sahara Desert so difficult?

Extremely hot days, freezing cold nights, sandstorms, getting lost, running out of water, and attacks by robbers.

What adaptations allowed camels to be the best means of transport across the Sahara Desert?

Thick leathery pads on their two-toed feet, long bushy eyebrows, large nostrils that can open and close, and thick fur.

When was the Kingdom of Mali formed?

Around 1235 CE.

What was the capital of the Kingdom of Mali?

Niani.

What religion became important to the people of Mali through trade with Muslims?

Islam.

Besides Mali, what was the only larger empire in the world during the 14th to 16th centuries CE?

The Mongol Empire.

Where was Timbuktu located?

Edge of the Sahara Desert and near the Niger River.

What did Timbuktu become?

Meeting place for traders between north and east Africa.

Besides horses, donkeys, and camels; how did traders from Mali transport goods?

The Niger River.

What was the main commodity that countries traded for?

Gold.

Besides gold, what product did the country of Ghana trade?

Salt.

What did countries such as India and China trade?

Silks and ceramics.

What goods did Arabia bring?

African ivory because it was too hard to carve.

Name three goods that Arabia traded to the Kingdom of Mali.

Cowrie shells, spices, dates. and utensils.

Name three goods that the Kingdom of Mali traded in exchange for the goods from Arabia.

Salt, kola nuts, dried fruit, and feathers from exotic birds.