1. Chapter 7 Section 2: Kingdoms of Africa
Unit 2: Africa

2. Taking Notes
Set up this table in your notes. Look for information on each kingdom as we read.
Ghana
Mali
Songhai
Rulers:
Government:
Economy:
Technology:

3. The Kingdom of Ghana How did the kings of Ghana rule without any laws?
What was the main export of Ghana? (gave to others)
What was the main import? (received from others)
What role did the Berbers play in African trade?

4. The Kingdom of Mali Who was the founder of Mali?
What was the famous inland trading city?
What 2 things did Mali trade to build wealth and power?

5. Making Connections: Timbuktu
Gold mining continues to be a leading industry in the modern-day nations of Ghana and Mali.
Gold remains an important export for both countries.

6. Mansa Musa What does “mansa” mean?
What were Mansa Musa’s accomplishments?

7. The Kingdom of Songhai Why did the Dia dynasty prosper?
The ruler Sunni Ali, expanded Songhai.
What 2 cities did he conquer?
How did these cities give Songhai power?

8. The Kingdom of Songhai How did Muhammad Ture come to power?
What do you think is the meaning of “usurper”?

9. Ibn Battuta
Primary Sources: Turn to page 235 and read Battuta’s account of an African salt mine village.
Who was Ibn Battuta?
Why did he write that the village of Taghaza was a village “with no good in it”?
Explain the economic value of Taghaza.

10. Honors Homework: Recognizing Bias
Read this quote and answer these questions about the author’s point of view in 1-2 paragraphs:
Do you detect any bias?
Do you believe he was recording things exactly as he witnessed them, or could he have exaggerated?
Support your answers with examples from the quote.
“He sits in audience or to hear grievances against officials in a domed pavilion around which stand ten horses covered with gold-embroidered materials. Behind the king stand ten pages holding shields and swords decorated with gold, and on his right are the sons of the vassal kings of his country wearing splendid garments and their hair is plaited with gold.”
-Abu’l-Hasan Ali al-Musudi, a Muslim who visited the 11th-century Ghanaian court