Are You Smarter Than The Empire Of Ghana?
This quiz will test your knowledge about the Ancient West African Kingdom of Ghana. Ready to put your mind to the test?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
When was the Empire of Ghana established?
- A.
900 A.D.
- B.
C. 790 A.D.
- C.
C. 5th Century A.D.
- D.
C. 790 B.C.
Correct Answer
B. C. 790 A.D.Explanation
The Empire of Ghana was established around 790 A.D. This answer is supported by historical evidence which suggests that the empire began to emerge as a powerful state during the 8th and 9th centuries. The empire reached its peak in the 11th century and was known for its wealth and control over the trans-Saharan trade routes. Therefore, the establishment of the Empire of Ghana can be attributed to the period around 790 A.D.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
What does the word, "Ghana," mean?
- A.
King of Gold
- B.
Powerful Ruler
- C.
Warrior King
- D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the AboveExplanation
The word Ghana has many meanings to it, but any of the above are a broad or simplified meaning.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
What was the capital of the Empire of Ghana?
- A.
Niger
- B.
Ghana
- C.
Kumbi-Saleh
- D.
Sudan
Correct Answer
C. Kumbi-SalehExplanation
The capital of Ghana, Kumbi-Saleh, was split into two. Each half being six miles apart. In one half, Muslim scholars, teachers, advisors, etc lived. In the other half, the king's palace was located as well as cultural center of the community.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
What made the economy and empire of Ghana prosper.
- A.
Trade of textiles
- B.
"Salt and Gold" Trade
- C.
Trade of Ivory
- D.
Currency Exchange
Correct Answer
B. "Salt and Gold" TradeExplanation
The Ghana Empire became rich from “salt-gold trade” between West and North Africa. It was a very important trade, and it didn’t only control gold and salt, but trade routes ran through the empire. North Africans desired gold and West Africans needed salt. Salt was mined northeast of Ghana in the Sahara Desert. When traders went through Ghana during trade, the Empire of Ghana later became the middleman in the salt-gold trade. Trade with the gold from place to place was called silent barter.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
What was the typical family structure of the Soninke?
- A.
Husband, Wife(s), Children, Relatives
- B.
Husband, Wife
- C.
Children, Relatives
- D.
Wife, Children
Correct Answer
A. Husband, Wife(s), Children, RelativesExplanation
The typical family structure of the Soninke included the husband, wife(s), children, and relatives. This suggests that the Soninke practiced polygamy, where a man could have multiple wives. The presence of relatives in the family structure indicates the importance of extended family and kinship ties within the Soninke society.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which statement best discribes the rise of Ghana?
- A.
New trade routes that passed through the Soninke homeland caused their popularity and awareness to grow, and Muslim merchants referred to the land as Ghana, for the Soninke called their ruler Ghana.
- B.
Sundiata and Mansa Musa united to form the empire of Ghana
- C.
When rebels burned down Mali, they constructed and named and Empire, Ghana, over it.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. New trade routes that passed through the Soninke homeland caused their popularity and awareness to grow, and Muslim merchants referred to the land as Ghana, for the Soninke called their ruler Ghana.Explanation
It is a mystery about the origins. Some archeological findings, oral traditions, and a new evaluation say that it began as a city-state near early 3rd Century. Apparently, the Soninke people using the empire as an arm in their trading network founded it. Soninke created and established Kumbi-Saleh as the Empire of Ghana’s first capital city. It arranged scattered people and terrorities into a confederation of kingdoms. A warrior tribe and dominant royal clan led it.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
The empire of Ghana live under a ..... sytem.
- A.
Democratic
- B.
Dictatorship
- C.
Communal
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
C. CommunalExplanation
The Empire lived under a communal system that recognized the authority of a clan or village elders by having an agreement on what the elders say. The people developed new methods of governing and raising revenue. His royal court that reviewed the emperor’s action assisted emperor, and they took ultimate supervision over foreign affairs. Monarchy was matrilineal meaning that the king gave power to his sister’s son. The governmental structure became more sophisticated so the emperors gave their viziers (prime ministers) responsibility over governmental affairs.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What/Which religion(s) did everyone in Ghana EVENTUALLY turn toward to?
- A.
Islam
- B.
Christianity
- C.
Animism
- D.
A & B
Correct Answer
D. A & BExplanation
Soninke people believed in a high god. Also, the Soninke believed that all living and non-living things had a spirit that was good or evil. Rituals were important to Soninke and rituals were used to keep spirits happy. The people wore charms to protect self from spirits that are harmful. Most Soninkes today are Muslims or Christians, but practice old beliefs.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Which kingdoms helped towards the decline of the Ghana Empire?
- A.
Susu
- B.
Almoravids
- C.
Persians
- D.
A & B
Correct Answer
D. A & BExplanation
Muslim raiders began attacking areas around the empire. Ghana fought the raiders for 30 year and tried ruling the empire during the fighting. Feudal states rose within the Empire of Ghana and attacked. The first attack isn’t mentioned, but the second occurred about 1203 by the Susu kingdoms. It is reported that the Susu ruler did capture the capital of the empire and brought a violent end to economic and military power. After the Susu, the Almoravids also attacked, from which Ghana never regained its statureRate this question:
-
- 10.
List some Nicknames for the Ghana Empire
Correct Answer
Ouagadou
Wagadu
The Gold CoastExplanation
The given answer provides a list of nicknames for the Ghana Empire. Ouagadou and Wagadu are both alternative names for the empire, while The Gold Coast refers to the region where the empire was located, known for its abundant gold resources. These nicknames highlight different aspects of the Ghana Empire's significance and characteristics.Rate this question:
- 11.
What do you call a West African story-teller
Correct Answer
Griots
griots
Griot
griotExplanation
In West Africa, a story-teller is commonly referred to as a Griot. The term "Griots" is the plural form of Griot, which is a French word derived from the Mandinka language. Griots are highly respected individuals who are responsible for preserving and passing down the oral traditions, history, and cultural knowledge of their communities through storytelling, music, and poetry. They play a significant role in West African society as keepers of tradition and are considered living repositories of their people's history and heritage.Rate this question:
- 12.
What was one of the jobs that the Soninke specialized in?
Correct Answer
farming
trading
blacksmithing
soldiers
storytelling (griots)Explanation
The Soninke specialized in a variety of jobs, including farming, trading, blacksmithing, being soldiers, and storytelling (griots). This suggests that they had a diverse range of skills and occupations within their society.Rate this question:
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 15, 2009Quiz Created by
Shyshan
Back to top