Trading Kingdoms of West Africa

S.W.B.A.T. Discuss how Ghana, Mali, and Songhai became West Africa’s most powerful kingdoms by completing a jigsaw activity

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS BASED ON THE MAP: INITIAL ACTIVITY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS BASED ON THE MAP: On what river are Tombouctou and Gao located? Which empires ruled Tombouchtou and Gao?

following in order; sequence Word of the Day Succession: following in order; sequence

West African Slave Trade Traditionally, slavery in West Africa involved only black Africans, who were both slaveholders and slaves. This changed in the 600s when Arab Muslims, and later Europeans, became slave traders. People captured in war and criminals could be sold as slaves.

West African Slave Trade Enslaved Africans performed labor and domestic chores. The market for West African slaves increased as Muslim traders bought or seized black Africans to sell in North Africa. Later, West Africa was also home to enslaved Africans coming to the Americas.

West African Slave Trade Slave trade eventually became and important part of the West African economy. Kings traded slaves for goods such as horses from the Middle East and textiles and weapons from Europe. The trans-Saharan slave trade contributed to the power of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

Summary Take out a sheet of paper and answer the following question: How did Ghana, Mali, and Songhai become West Africa’s most powerful kingdoms?