Chapter 3 Test ; Medieval Africa

Many traditional African religions were similar to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in that they shared a belief in one supreme God. This common belief in a higher power reflects a monotheistic worldview, which is a central tenet in these religions. It signifies a shared understanding of the existence of a single deity who holds ultimate power and authority. This similarity in the belief in one supreme God highlights the potential for religious syncretism and the interconnectedness of different faith traditions.

It was special because it connected them to their homeland!

Mansa Musa journeyed to Makkah in 1324.

The Sahara, rainforests, and savannas of Africa were located on the African Plateau. The African Plateau is a large elevated area in Africa that covers a significant portion of the continent. The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, is located on the northern part of the African Plateau. The rainforests are found in the central and western regions of the plateau, while the savannas are located in the eastern and southern parts.

Ibn Buttata was a young Muslim lawyer from Morocco. He is well-known for his extensive travels throughout the Islamic world and beyond in the 14th century. His travelogue, "The Rihla," provides valuable insights into the cultures, societies, and historical events of the places he visited. Ibn Buttata's journeys took him to various countries in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, making him an important figure in the exploration and documentation of the medieval world.

Axum is a city-state in Ethiopia. It was a significant political and economic center in ancient times, known for its trade and wealth. Axum was also the capital of the Aksumite Empire, which existed from the 1st century AD to the 7th century AD. The city is famous for its towering obelisks, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Axum played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Ethiopia and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Africa.

The correct answer is "poorer." This is because the sentence is indicating a decline in the quality or fertility of Ghana's farmland over time. The word "poorer" is the comparative form of the adjective "poor," indicating a comparative degree of poverty or decline. The options "more poor" and "poor" are also correct because they both convey the same meaning of a decline in quality or fertility.

During the 1500s, the Songhai Empire was indeed the largest empire in West Africa. It reached its peak under the leadership of Sunni Ali, who expanded its territory through military conquests. The empire was strategically located along the Niger River, which facilitated trade and allowed for the growth of a prosperous economy. Songhai was known for its strong centralized government, impressive military, and cultural achievements, making it a dominant power in the region during that time period.

The African Diaspora refers to the spread of African culture around the world, specifically by enslaved Africans. This refers to the forced migration and displacement of African people during the transatlantic slave trade, where they were taken from their homes and brought to various parts of the world. Through this process, African cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs were carried and transmitted to different regions, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape we see today.

In medieval West Africa, children were educated not only through oral histories but also through proverbs. Proverbs are short, concise statements that convey wisdom and moral lessons. They were used as a teaching tool to pass down cultural knowledge, values, and traditions from one generation to another. By incorporating proverbs into education, children were able to learn important life lessons and gain a deeper understanding of their society's beliefs and customs.

Ghana grew wealthy from taxes on the salt trade and taxes on the gold trade. These two industries were major sources of revenue for the country, allowing it to accumulate wealth. The salt trade was particularly important as Ghana had control over the salt mines in the region, and taxing this trade provided a significant income. Similarly, Ghana was known for its abundant gold resources, and taxing the gold trade further contributed to its wealth.

During the colonial period, the Portuguese utilized enslaved Africans to cultivate and harvest sugarcane. This crop was a major source of wealth for Portugal, as it was in high demand in Europe. The labor-intensive nature of sugarcane cultivation made it necessary for the Portuguese to rely on enslaved Africans, who were forcibly brought to work on the plantations. The production of sugarcane using enslaved labor played a significant role in the expansion of the Portuguese empire and the development of the Atlantic slave trade.

Mediterranean Sea! not red!

The Swahili culture was heavily influenced by Islam. This is because Islam spread along the East African coast through trade routes, leading to the adoption of Islamic practices and beliefs by the Swahili people. Islam influenced various aspects of Swahili culture, including language, architecture, art, and social customs. The introduction of Islam also led to the development of Swahili city-states, such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, which became important centers of trade and Islamic scholarship in the region.

Artisans were able to thrive in the rainforest kingdoms due to the presence of food surpluses. Food surpluses refer to an excess of food production beyond what is needed for immediate consumption. In rainforest kingdoms, the availability of abundant food allowed for a stable and reliable food supply, which in turn supported the growth and development of various specialized crafts and trades. With their basic needs met, the artisans could focus on honing their skills and producing intricate and valuable goods, contributing to the flourishing of artistic and cultural practices in these kingdoms.

The correct answer is "Reward given to heroic soldiers in Mali." This answer is supported by the mention of Mali in the question and the fact that the national honor is specifically associated with heroic soldiers. It is likely that Mali has a tradition or practice of recognizing and rewarding its brave soldiers with a national honor.

Sundiata Keita was a great king who is known for seizing Ghana. He was the founder of the Mali Empire and is considered a legendary figure in West African history. His military conquests and leadership skills allowed him to establish a powerful empire that thrived for many years. However, there is no information provided regarding Sundiata Keita being a great queen or seizing Mali.

They were fishing groups, not trading.