Cause: Demand for gold and resources. Effect: Rise of Sudanic empires, spread of Islam, cultural exchange.

Cause: Portuguese exploration and desire for direct access to resources. Effect: Decline of Songhai, rise of European power, increased slave trade.

Cause: Mansa Musa's devotion to Islam and desire to strengthen ties with the Muslim world. Effect: Increased European interest in Mali, promotion of Islamic learning, and demonstration of Mali's wealth and power.

Powerful West African states that controlled gold mines and trade routes.

Trade across the Sahara Desert, linking North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa.

The merging of different cultural elements, such as Islamic teachings with local beliefs.

A university in Timbuktu, sponsored by Mansa Musa, that became a major center of learning.

Trade across the Atlantic Ocean, especially between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

A major trade and learning center in Mali and Songhai, attracting scholars and merchants.

The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Focusing on European culture or history to the exclusion of a wider view of the world.

The dispersion of any people from their original homeland.

A distinct African American culture found in the coastal regions of the Southeastern United States, retaining many West African traditions.

Mansa Musa (1312-1337) was the wealthy ruler of Mali who developed Timbuktu.

Ruler under whom Songhai reached its peak in the 15th-16th centuries.

Ruler under whom Songhai reached its peak in the 15th-16th centuries.

Brought Islam through Trans-Saharan Trade.

Creator of the Catalan Atlas in 1375.