World History Quiz: Ancient Africa

West African merchants were willing to pay a very high price for salt because it was scarce in West Africa. This means that salt was not readily available in the region, making it a valuable commodity. The scarcity of salt would have driven up its price, as there would have been a high demand for it but a limited supply. Therefore, the merchants were willing to pay a premium in order to obtain salt for various purposes such as preserving food, enhancing flavor, and religious rituals.

Scholars have been able to trace the Bantu migrations by studying language patterns. This is because the Bantu people, who originated in West Africa, spread across the continent over thousands of years, carrying their languages with them. By analyzing the similarities and differences in Bantu languages spoken today, linguists can trace the migration routes and the timeline of the Bantu expansion. This method provides valuable insights into the movement and cultural interactions of ancient African populations.

Mansa Musa is the correct answer because he was a wealthy and influential ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century. He is known for his famous Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed vast amounts of gold and brought back scholars and architects to help develop the Islamic University in Timbuktu. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage and his patronage of education and architecture played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the university.

Meroe was successful largely due to their ability to make tools and weapons out of iron. Iron was a superior material compared to bronze, copper, and brass as it was stronger, more durable, and could hold a sharper edge. This gave the people of Meroe an advantage in warfare, allowing them to conquer and expand their empire. Iron tools also improved their agricultural practices, leading to increased food production and economic growth. The mastery of ironworking technology played a crucial role in the success and development of the Meroitic civilization.

After the conquest of cities in North Africa by Muslims in the 690's, Arabic became the dominant language of the region. This can be attributed to the fact that Arabic was the language of the Islamic religion and the Muslim rulers, who promoted the use of Arabic for religious and administrative purposes. Additionally, Arabic was also spread through trade and cultural interactions, further solidifying its dominance in the region. The influence of Arabic in North Africa is still evident today, with Arabic being widely spoken and used in various aspects of daily life.

The governments of smaller African societies differed from those of larger societies by sharing power among several people. Unlike larger societies that centralized power in one powerful leader or ruling clan, smaller societies believed in a more egalitarian approach to governance. They distributed power among multiple individuals, ensuring that no single person or group held complete control. This system allowed for a more democratic decision-making process and prevented the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

The correct answer is solid rock carved down from ground level. This means that the eleven churches built by King Lalibela were not constructed using stone or gold blocks, but rather by carving them directly out of the solid rock at ground level. This method of construction required significant skill and craftsmanship, as the churches had to be meticulously carved out of the existing rock formations.

The rise of the kingdom of Ghana was aided by its vast supply of gold. Gold was a valuable resource that Ghana had in abundance, and it played a crucial role in the kingdom's economic prosperity and political influence. The trade of gold allowed Ghana to accumulate wealth, establish trade routes, and attract merchants from various regions. This enabled Ghana to become a powerful and wealthy kingdom in West Africa, as it controlled the lucrative gold trade and had the resources to expand its territory and influence.

The Romans used northern African lands as a source of grain. This is because the region had fertile soil and a favorable climate for agriculture, making it an ideal location for growing crops. The Romans heavily relied on grain as a staple food, and they sought to secure a steady supply by cultivating it in various parts of their empire, including northern Africa. By utilizing the fertile lands in this region, the Romans were able to meet the demands of their growing population and ensure food security.

The correct answer is Jewish because "The Glory of the Kings" is an ancient book that claims the ancestors of the kings of Ethiopia were Jewish. This suggests a historical connection between Ethiopia and the Jewish people, possibly stemming from the biblical story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. This claim aligns with the long-standing tradition of Ethiopian Jews, known as Beta Israel or Falasha, who have a unique religious and cultural heritage that traces back to ancient times.