West African Kingdoms and the Renaissance

Vocabulary flashcards covering the role of Islam, Trans-Saharan trade, and geography in the West African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, as well as the causes and Italian origins of the Renaissance.

Islamic Law (in West African Governance)

A legal system adopted by rulers in West Africa to unify their empires.

Islamic Credit and Trust Networks

Financial and relational networks utilized by merchants to boost Saharan trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade

A trade system in which goods, culture, and religion were exchanged; taxing the import and export of goods through this trade fueled the growth of kingdoms and cities like Timbuktu.

The Sahel

The geographic region merchants had to cross, leading kingdoms to charge import and export taxes on every donkey and camel.

Gold Nuggets vs. Gold Dust Policy

A royal economic rule in Ghana and Mali where the king legally owned large gold nuggets while the public traded gold dust, keeping the royal treasury rich.

West African Royal Wealth

Riches accumulated from trade taxes and gold that rulers used to fund armies, protect traders from bandits, ensure fees were paid, and build mosques and libraries.

Timbuktu

A major West African center of trade for gold, salt, and slaves, as well as an international center of learning with advanced universities and 150 schools dedicated to teaching Islam.

Medici Family

A wealthy family whose patronage helped fund the Renaissance and had a major influence on art and humanism.

Causes of the Renaissance

The rise of humanism, increased wealth, and the invention of the printing press.

Italy's Renaissance Role

The birthplace of the Renaissance due to wealthy merchants, the Medici family, its status as a primary trading gateway, and rulers competing to have the finest and grandest art.