Archaeology Quiz On The Ghana Empire

Explanation
The statement states that every trader who entered Ghana had to pay a tax when they entered. This means that it was a requirement for all traders to pay a tax upon entering the country. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

Explanation
The Ghana Empire did not lie between the Nile and Senegal rivers. It was located in West Africa, specifically in the area that is now modern-day southern Mauritania and Mali. The empire was situated between the Niger River and the Senegal River, not the Nile. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation
The statement suggests that although archaeology has provided some clues about Ghana's early history, our knowledge about its earliest days is limited. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct as it aligns with the information provided in the statement.

Explanation
The statement is false because Ghana's kings did use their great wealth to build a powerful army. The kingdom of Ghana was known for its immense wealth, which was largely derived from the gold trade. The kings of Ghana used their wealth to not only strengthen their army but also to expand their territory and maintain control over trade routes. The powerful army of Ghana played a crucial role in protecting the kingdom's wealth and maintaining its dominance in the region.

Explanation
The Soninke had an advantage over their neighbors because they had weapons made of iron. This is true because iron weapons were superior to weapons made of other materials, such as stone or bronze, as iron is stronger and more durable. With iron weapons, the Soninke would have had a significant military advantage, allowing them to better defend themselves and potentially conquer neighboring communities. Iron weapons also enabled the Soninke to engage in long-distance trade, as they could exchange iron weapons for other valuable goods, further enhancing their advantage over their neighbors.

Explanation
The statement suggests that ordinary people could own gold nuggets. However, this is not true. Gold nuggets are valuable and rare, making them expensive and difficult to acquire. Ordinary people may not have the financial means or access to obtain gold nuggets. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Explanation
During the rule of Tunka Manin, Ghana experienced its peak period of prosperity and power. Tunka Manin was a renowned king who successfully expanded Ghana's territory and established strong trade relationships with neighboring regions. This led to increased wealth, cultural development, and political influence for Ghana. Therefore, it can be concluded that Ghana reached its height under Tunka Manin, making the answer "True" correct.

Explanation
The Soninke people are indeed credited with founding the ancient kingdom of Ghana. They established Ghana as a powerful trading empire in West Africa during the 6th century. The Soninke used their strategic location along the trans-Saharan trade routes to accumulate wealth and establish control over the gold and salt trade. The empire of Ghana reached its peak between the 9th and 11th centuries, becoming a major center of commerce and cultural exchange. Therefore, the statement "The Soninke founded Ghana" is true.

Explanation
Overgrazing refers to the excessive consumption of vegetation by livestock, leading to the depletion of grass and other plant species. In the case of the Ghana Empire, it is believed that overgrazing played a significant role in its decline. The empire heavily relied on trans-Saharan trade, which required vast amounts of livestock to transport goods across the desert. This led to overgrazing in the region, causing soil erosion, desertification, and a decline in agricultural productivity. As a result, the Ghana Empire struggled to sustain its economy and eventually collapsed.

Explanation
Ghana was indeed located between the region's two most valuable resources - gold and salt. This strategic geographical position allowed Ghana to control the trade routes and benefit from the lucrative trade in these resources. The gold mines in the south and the salt mines in the north made Ghana a prosperous and powerful kingdom in West Africa during ancient times.