What is the definition of Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?
Network of pathways across the Sahara connecting the Mediterranean coast with West Africa, facilitating economic, cultural, and political exchange.
What is a diasporic community?
Groups of people who have migrated from their homeland and settled in new locations, often maintaining cultural ties to their origin.
Define 'caravan' in the context of Trans-Saharan trade.
Groups of people traveling together across the desert for safety and efficient transport of goods, often including camels and experienced guides.
Define the term 'inflation' in the context of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage.
A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money. Mansa Musa's large gold quantities decreased gold's value.
What was the purpose of camel saddles?
Specially designed saddles used by Berber nomads that made riding camels more comfortable and efficient for long desert journeys.
Define the significance of Timbuktu.
A major city that became a hub for Islamic scholarship and commerce due to the Trans-Saharan trade routes.
What is the significance of Niani?
The capital city of the Mali Empire and a major trade hub along the Trans-Saharan routes.
What is the significance of Gao?
A major trade and commerce center and capital of the Songhai Empire, which controlled key Trans-Saharan trade routes.
What is the significance of Kumbi Saleh?
A major trade center and the capital of the Ghana Empire, known for controlling the gold and salt trade.
What is the meaning of 'high-value topic'?
A subject that is frequently tested and important to understand for the AP exam.
When did Islam arrive in West Africa?
Islam arrived in West Africa in the 8th century, primarily through trade routes.
What was Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca?
A legendary journey where Mansa Musa brought so much gold that he caused economic inflation, promoting trade and learning in his empire.
What was the role of Berber nomads?
They used specially designed camel saddles that made riding camels more comfortable and efficient, facilitating trade across the Sahara.
What was the role of the camel?
Domesticated in the Middle East and brought to Africa, it revolutionized desert travel and trade.
What was the impact of diasporic communities?
West African merchants settled in Cairo, bringing their customs and languages, and African slaves were dispersed in the Americas and Middle East.
What was the role of caravans?
Groups of people traveled together for safety and efficient transport of goods, protecting against bandits.
What was the role of the Mali Empire?
Located along major trade routes, Mali was known for its gold deposits and strong government, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
What was the role of the Ghana Empire?
Ghana controlled the trade of gold and salt, making it a powerful force in the region.
What was the role of the Songhai Empire?
Successor to Mali, Songhai also controlled trade routes and maintained a strong military, ensuring trade continued.
What was the effect of trade on the spread of Islam?
The trade routes facilitated the spread of Islam into Africa, emphasizing social justice, personal responsibility, and equality.
What were the causes and effects of camel domestication?
Cause: Domestication in the Middle East. Effect: Revolutionized desert travel and trade across the Sahara.
What were the causes and effects of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage?
Cause: Mansa Musa's devotion and wealth. Effect: Economic inflation due to gold, promotion of trade and learning in Mali.
What were the causes and effects of the Trans-Saharan trade routes?
Cause: Demand for goods like gold, salt, and slaves. Effect: Spread of Islam, formation of diasporic communities, rise of empires like Mali and Ghana.
What were the causes and effects of the spread of Islam in West Africa?
Cause: Trade routes and appeal of Islamic principles. Effect: Establishment of centers of learning like Timbuktu, cultural and social changes.
What were the causes and effects of camel saddles?
Cause: Need for more efficient desert travel. Effect: Increased comfort and efficiency for both rider and camel, boosting trade.
What were the causes and effects of caravans?
Cause: Need for safety and efficient transport. Effect: Protection against bandits, efficient movement of goods across the Sahara.
What were the causes and effects of the Mali Empire's rise?
Cause: Control of gold deposits and trade routes. Effect: Strong government, wealth, and influence in West Africa.
What were the causes and effects of the Ghana Empire's power?
Cause: Control of gold and salt trade. Effect: Military strength and economic dominance in the region.
What were the causes and effects of the Songhai Empire's expansion?
Cause: Strong government and military. Effect: Control of trade routes and maintenance of commerce in the region.
What were the causes and effects of diasporic communities?
Cause: Migration of traders and travelers. Effect: Cultural blends, spread of languages and customs in new regions.
