1. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa
Section 2: Kingdoms of West Africa
Witness History Audio: The Value of Salt
Trade in the Sahara
When farming villages in the savanna area began to produce surplus crops, they were able to trade food for other products. This opened up a trade network that crossed the Sahara. In time, gold and salt became the top items traded across the Sahara. Gold came from the kingdoms of West Africa. Salt came from the Sahara.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What would cause one good to have more value than another?” (high demand or rarity) “What are some uses for salt?” (keeping healthy, flavoring and preserving food) “Which use would most likely cause the high value of salt during medieval times? Why? (preserving food; since there was no refrigeration)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask, “Which was the only empire to extend into the Sahara?” (Songhai) “Which lasted the longest? How long did it last? (Mali; about 250 years) “Why do you think all thee trading empires developed where they did?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask volunteers to point to the locations discussed in this subsection.
When showing Color Transparency 67, have students discuss the details in each piece of artwork.
Note Taking Transparency 93
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2. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa
Section 2: Kingdoms of West Africa
Ghana: The Land of Gold
The Kingdom of Ghana had arisen by A.D. 800 and because of its location, it controlled the gold-salt trade routes. Muslim traders brought Islam to the kingdom, as well as their architectural styles and written language.
The Kingdom of Mali
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What would cause one good to have more value than another?” (high demand or rarity) “What are some uses for salt?” (keeping healthy, flavoring and preserving food) “Which use would most likely cause the high value of salt during medieval times? Why? (preserving food; since there was no refrigeration)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask, “Which was the only empire to extend into the Sahara?” (Songhai) “Which lasted the longest? How long did it last? (Mali; about 250 years) “Why do you think all thee trading empires developed where they did?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask volunteers to point to the locations discussed in this subsection.
When showing Color Transparency 67, have students discuss the details in each piece of artwork.
Ghana was incorporated into the Kingdom of Mali. Its greatest ruler, Mansa Musa, expanded the kingdom’s borders. He also converted to Islam and based his laws on the Quran. His hajj brought him fame and diplomatic ties with other Muslim states.
Color Transparency 66: Map of African Kingdoms, City-States, and Trading Centers
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3. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa
Section 2: Kingdoms of West Africa
A New Empire in Songhai
After Mali declined, the empire of Songhai arose and grew larger than any West African kingdom had been. Emperor Askia Muhammad set up a bureaucracy to run the empire and he also strengthened ties to the Muslim world during his hajj. Invaders from the north conquered the empire by 1591.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What would cause one good to have more value than another?” (high demand or rarity) “What are some uses for salt?” (keeping healthy, flavoring and preserving food) “Which use would most likely cause the high value of salt during medieval times? Why? (preserving food; since there was no refrigeration)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask, “Which was the only empire to extend into the Sahara?” (Songhai) “Which lasted the longest? How long did it last? (Mali; about 250 years) “Why do you think all thee trading empires developed where they did?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask volunteers to point to the locations discussed in this subsection.
When showing Color Transparency 67, have students discuss the details in each piece of artwork.
Geography Interactive: African Kingdoms and Trading States
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4. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa
Section 2: Kingdoms of West Africa
Smaller Societies of West Africa
Other societies also flourished in West Africa from 500 to Benin arose the rain forests of the Guinea coast. The Hausa people built independent walled cities in present-day Nigeria, which were commercial centers and were often ruled by women.
Color Transparency 66: Map of African Kingdoms, City-States, and Trading Centers
Color Transparency 67: Nigerian Relief Plaque
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What would cause one good to have more value than another?” (high demand or rarity) “What are some uses for salt?” (keeping healthy, flavoring and preserving food) “Which use would most likely cause the high value of salt during medieval times? Why? (preserving food; since there was no refrigeration)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask, “Which was the only empire to extend into the Sahara?” (Songhai) “Which lasted the longest? How long did it last? (Mali; about 250 years) “Why do you think all thee trading empires developed where they did?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 66, ask volunteers to point to the locations discussed in this subsection.
When showing Color Transparency 67, have students discuss the details in each piece of artwork.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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5. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 93
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6. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa: Section 2
Color Transparency 66: Map of African Kingdoms, City States, and Trading Centers
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7. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa: Section 2
Color Transparency 67: Nigerian Relief Plaque
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8. Kingdoms and Trading States of Africa: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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