Ancient Africa Graded Practice Quiz

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  • 1/25 Questions

    The Sahara is not a good place for large settlements because

    • It is extremely dry
    • It rains to much
    • It has no mountains
    • It is covered in forest
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About This Quiz

In ancient Africa most of the people lived in kingdoms within the communities and most people were farmers and not industrialists. During our studies we covered Africa’s history and geography. Take the quiz below and see what you can remember from the lessons and African terrain. All the best and have fun!

Ancient Africa Graded Practice Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Kingdoms in West Africa relied on both local trade and

    • Exporting to Europe

    • Traveling flea markets

    • Trans-Saharan trade

    • Traveling farmers

    Correct Answer
    A. Trans-Saharan trade
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Trans-Saharan trade. This trade route involved the exchange of goods between West Africa and North Africa, crossing the vast Sahara desert. It was a crucial economic activity for the kingdoms in West Africa, as it allowed them to trade valuable commodities such as gold, salt, and slaves with North African merchants. This trade route not only facilitated economic growth but also cultural exchange between the regions involved.

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  • 3. 

    Why did people in West Africa trade with people from other regions?

    • It symbolized trust towards their neighbors

    • Each region had different resources and vegetation

    • It helped to create markets in different areas

    • The reason is unknown

    Correct Answer
    A. Each region had different resources and vegetation
    Explanation
    People in West Africa traded with people from other regions because each region had different resources and vegetation. This means that they could exchange goods and products that were not available in their own region, allowing them to access a wider variety of resources and meet their needs. Trading also helped to create markets in different areas, promoting economic growth and development.

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  • 4. 

    What power did the king of Ghana have?

    • Head of the army

    • Led people in religious worship

    • Final say in matters of justice

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The king of Ghana had all of the above powers. As the head of the army, he had control over the military forces and could make decisions regarding warfare and defense. He also led people in religious worship, which suggests that he held significant religious authority and played a central role in religious ceremonies. Additionally, the king had the final say in matters of justice, indicating that he had the power to make legal decisions and judgments. Therefore, the king of Ghana had a wide range of powers encompassing military, religious, and judicial aspects.

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  • 5. 

    Why was Ghana wealthy?

    • The government did not allow foreigners to travel there.

    • The government distributed chunks of gold to its citizens.

    • The government collected taxes on goods passing through Ghana.

    • The government placed heavy taxes on its people.

    Correct Answer
    A. The government collected taxes on goods passing through Ghana.
    Explanation
    Ghana was wealthy because the government collected taxes on goods passing through the country. This means that the government imposed taxes on the trade that occurred in Ghana, which allowed them to generate revenue and accumulate wealth. By collecting taxes on goods, the government was able to fund various projects, invest in infrastructure, and support the growth of the economy, ultimately leading to Ghana's prosperity.

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  • 6. 

    Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were three _______________ that arose.

    • Religions

    • Kingdoms

    • Countries

    • States

    Correct Answer
    A. Kingdoms
    Explanation
    Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were three kingdoms that arose. These kingdoms refer to historical political entities that existed in West Africa during different time periods. They were known for their wealth, power, and influence in the region. The term "kingdoms" accurately describes these entities as they were ruled by powerful kings or emperors and had their own political structures, territories, and systems of governance.

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  • 7. 

    West African societies who controlled early trade routes became wealthy by

    • Robbing traders passing by

    • Raising prices of goods frequently

    • Charging fees and taxes for trading activity

    • Making farmers pay high taxes

    Correct Answer
    A. Charging fees and taxes for trading activity
    Explanation
    West African societies became wealthy by charging fees and taxes for trading activity. This means that they imposed charges and taxes on traders who used their trade routes, allowing them to generate revenue and accumulate wealth. By levying these fees and taxes, these societies were able to benefit financially from the trade that passed through their territories, contributing to their economic prosperity.

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  • 8. 

    People were forced to leave Ghana because

    • Farmers couldn't grow as many crops

    • Water was scarce

    • Few trees remained

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    People were forced to leave Ghana because farmers couldn't grow as many crops due to various factors such as poor soil quality, lack of irrigation systems, and unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, water scarcity made it difficult for both farmers and the general population to sustain themselves. Furthermore, deforestation resulted in the depletion of natural resources, including trees, which affected the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. Therefore, all of these factors combined forced people to leave Ghana in search of better opportunities and living conditions.

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  • 9. 

    What was one benefit of becoming part of a kingdom in West Africa?

    • Men were required to serve in the King's army.

    • Conquered people were required to give tribute

    • Kings provided protection for conquered land

    • Kings sometimes sent governors to rule land

    Correct Answer
    A. Kings provided protection for conquered land
    Explanation
    One benefit of becoming part of a kingdom in West Africa was that the kings provided protection for the conquered land. This meant that the people living in the conquered territories could rely on the king's army to defend them against external threats. The kings would ensure the safety and security of the land, which would bring stability and peace to the region. This protection would also allow the people to focus on their daily lives and economic activities without constant fear of attacks or invasions.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following is a way rulers of West African kingdoms became wealthy

    • They collected taxes from goods bought and sold.

    • They raised armies and conquered other territories.

    • They collected tributes from other conquered countries.

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The rulers of West African kingdoms became wealthy through a combination of different factors. Firstly, they collected taxes from the goods that were bought and sold within their territories, which helped generate revenue. Secondly, they raised armies and conquered other territories, which allowed them to gain control over additional resources and wealth. Lastly, they collected tributes from other countries that they had conquered, further adding to their wealth. Therefore, all of the mentioned options contributed to the rulers' wealth in West African kingdoms.

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  • 11. 

    West Africans needed salt to

    • Improve their diet

    • Add taste to their food

    • Keep food from spoiling

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    West Africans needed salt for multiple reasons. Firstly, salt helped to improve their diet as it is an essential mineral that the body needs to function properly. Secondly, salt added taste to their food, making it more enjoyable to eat. Lastly, salt helped to preserve their food by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing spoilage. Therefore, all of the given options are valid reasons why West Africans needed salt.

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  • 12. 

    How was the system of silent barter a major advantage for Wangarans?

    • It helped to guard the secret location of their gold.

    • It prevented the Wangarans from having to negotiate.

    • It saved the Wangarans time.

    • It made trade more difficult.

    Correct Answer
    A. It helped to guard the secret location of their gold.
    Explanation
    The system of silent barter was a major advantage for Wangarans because it helped to guard the secret location of their gold. By engaging in silent barter, the Wangarans were able to trade their gold without revealing the exact source or location of their gold mines. This ensured that outsiders, such as rival tribes or potential invaders, would not be able to easily locate and exploit their gold reserves. The secrecy surrounding the location of their gold mines gave the Wangarans a significant advantage in maintaining control over their valuable resources.

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  • 13. 

    The _____________ is a vegetation zone of tall grasses and scattered trees.

    • Savanna

    • Sahel

    • Sahara

    • Congo

    Correct Answer
    A. Savanna
    Explanation
    The savanna is a vegetation zone of tall grasses and scattered trees. Savannas are typically found in warm or hot climates where the annual rainfall is from about 50.8 to 127 cm (20-50 inches) per year. It’s a transitional type of ecosystem, found between tropical rainforest and desert biomes. The Sahel, Sahara, and Congo represent different types of geographic regions and ecosystems in Africa. The Sahel is a semi-arid region, the Sahara is a desert, and the Congo is a tropical rainforest region.

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  • 14. 

    How did villages form in West Africa?

    • A controlling leader took over forcefully.

    • Family-based communities joined together for help.

    • Communities often went to war to settle disputes.

    • Groups developed closely together due to gold.

    Correct Answer
    A. Family-based communities joined together for help.
    Explanation
    In West Africa, villages formed through the joining together of family-based communities for mutual support and assistance. This was a common practice as it allowed the communities to pool their resources and skills, ensuring better protection and survival in a challenging environment. This cooperative approach helped in the establishment and growth of villages in West Africa.

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  • 15. 

    What changes did the development of iron tools bring?

    • Farmers could clear land and grow crops more efficiently

    • Villagers could produce surpluses to trade for other goods

    • People could freely engage in weaving and metalworking

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The development of iron tools brought several changes. Firstly, farmers could clear land and grow crops more efficiently, leading to increased agricultural productivity. Secondly, villagers could produce surpluses, allowing them to trade for other goods and improve their standard of living. Lastly, the availability of iron tools enabled people to freely engage in weaving and metalworking, promoting the development of various crafts and industries. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."

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  • 16. 

    West Africa's geography influenced the _________________ that developed there.

    • Forms of authority

    • Extended families

    • Religious beliefs

    • Patterns of trade

    Correct Answer
    A. Patterns of trade
    Explanation
    West Africa's geography, with its diverse landscapes including deserts, savannas, and rainforests, played a significant role in shaping the patterns of trade in the region. The presence of major rivers such as the Niger and Senegal facilitated transportation and trade routes, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas between different communities. Moreover, the region's abundant natural resources, such as gold, salt, and ivory, attracted merchants from afar, leading to the development of extensive trade networks and the establishment of prosperous trading cities like Timbuktu. Therefore, the geography of West Africa directly influenced and shaped the patterns of trade that emerged in the region.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following contributed to Ghana's downfall?

    • Floods

    • War

    • Disease

    • Population decline

    Correct Answer
    A. War
    Explanation
    War contributed to Ghana's downfall because it led to destruction, loss of resources, and the destabilization of the government and economy. Wars often result in the displacement of people, destruction of infrastructure, and the disruption of trade, which can have long-lasting negative effects on a country. In the case of Ghana, war likely played a significant role in the decline of the nation's power and influence.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following is true about Ghana's military?

    • Soldiers were not respected or well paid.

    • The king had a regular army as well as reserved forces.

    • Soldiers were the only people who had to complete military training.

    • Army uniforms were plain and without decoration

    Correct Answer
    A. The king had a regular army as well as reserved forces.
    Explanation
    During the time period in question, Ghana had a well-organized military system that consisted of a regular army and reserved forces. This suggests that the king of Ghana recognized the importance of maintaining a strong military presence and had established a structured system to ensure the defense of the kingdom.

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  • 19. 

    What product did people in North Africa want most?

    • Salt

    • Silk

    • Gold

    • Copper

    Correct Answer
    A. Gold
    Explanation
    Gold was the most desired product in North Africa because it held great value and was used as a form of currency. It was also associated with wealth and power, making it highly sought after by individuals and societies in the region. Additionally, gold had various uses in jewelry, trade, and religious ceremonies, further increasing its demand among the people in North Africa.

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  • 20. 

    Ghana was located between two areas that wanted to trade.  These areas were 

    • North Africa and East Africa

    • North Africa and West Africa

    • West Africa and East Africa

    • South Africa and East Africa

    Correct Answer
    A. North Africa and West Africa
    Explanation
    Ghana was strategically located between North Africa and West Africa, making it a prime trading hub. It served as a middle ground for the exchange of goods and resources between these two regions. North Africa was known for its trade connections with the Mediterranean and the Arab world, while West Africa was rich in natural resources such as gold, salt, and ivory. Ghana's position allowed it to facilitate trade and benefit economically from the exchange of these valuable commodities.

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  • 21. 

    How did the Wangarans know that caravans wanted to make an offer for trade

    • Messengers

    • Bird calls

    • Smoke signals

    • Beating drums

    Correct Answer
    A. Beating drums
    Explanation
    The Wangarans knew that caravans wanted to make an offer for trade through beating drums. This suggests that the Wangarans used drums as a form of communication to signal their readiness for trade. The sound of the drums would have been a distinct and recognizable signal for the caravans, indicating that they were open to conducting business. This method of communication would have allowed the Wangarans to effectively coordinate and engage in trade with the caravans.

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  • 22. 

    The area of semi-desert that is south of the Sahara and has mild vegetation is called the ___________.

    • Jenne

    • Sahel

    • Savanna

    • Niger

    Correct Answer
    A. Sahel
    Explanation
    The area of semi-desert that is south of the Sahara and has mild vegetation is called the Sahel. The Sahel is a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert and the savanna grasslands. It experiences a semi-arid climate with limited rainfall, resulting in sparse vegetation. The Sahel is known for its unique ecosystem and serves as a vital grazing area for nomadic herders.

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  • 23. 

    Around 4000 B.C.E., some people in West Africa formed farming communities made up of

    • Village neighbors

    • Religious officials

    • Different tribes

    • Extended families

    Correct Answer
    A. Extended families
    Explanation
    During 4000 B.C.E. in West Africa, farming communities were formed by people who lived in extended families. This means that multiple generations, such as parents, children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, lived together in one household or in close proximity. Living in extended families allowed for better cooperation and division of labor in agricultural activities, as well as the sharing of resources and support among family members.

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  • 24. 

    The majority of Africa falls within the

    • Size of the United States.

    • Tropics region.

    • Rainforest region.

    • Continent of Asia.

    Correct Answer
    A. Tropics region.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is tropics region. Africa is located mainly within the tropics, which is the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This region is characterized by a hot and humid climate, with abundant rainfall and a diverse range of ecosystems. The majority of Africa's landmass is within this region, making it an accurate description of the continent's geographical location.

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  • 25. 

    What made Taghaza an important location?

    • Salt was mined and cut into large blocks

    • Gold was mined in a secret location

    • Gold was collected by foreigners

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Gold was mined in a secret location
    Explanation
    Taghaza was an important location because gold was mined in a secret location. This suggests that the gold mining activities in Taghaza were highly valuable and sought after by individuals from outside the region. The secrecy surrounding the location of the mines indicates that the gold was a precious resource, and its extraction played a significant role in the economic and social dynamics of the area.

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  • Apr 07, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 22, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Stjulianad
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