Medieval Africa Essential Questions 1 Why did Ghana

Medieval Africa

Essential Questions 1. Why did Ghana emerge in a region of savanna, as opposed to the Sahel to the north or the rainforests to the south? 2. Why were Ghana and Mali both land-based empires not linked in any real way with or dependent on coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean? 3. Why was salt so significant a factor for both Ghana and Mali? 4. Why was long-distance trade so crucial to the growth of Ghana and Mali into powerful empires? 5. What was the nature of kingship in these two empires? What was the basis of the wealth and power of these kings? 6. What role did Islam play in the formation of these empires, and why was its role so important?

Section 1: Introduction Kingdoms of Wealth and Power

Kingdoms of Wealth and Power Around the World Medieval civilizations, circa 1300

Ghana and Mali • Kingdom of Ghana: 700– 1070 • Kingdom of Mali: 1235– 1490 s • Great wealth and power

Modern and Medieval Locations in Africa Ghana and Mali, then and now

The Wealth of Ghana and Mali • King of Ghana— “The richest king on the face of the earth. ” • “Gold grows in the sand like carrots do and is plucked at sunrise. ”

Section 2: Geography as a Key Source of Wealth and Power

Geography as a Key Source of Wealth and Power • What makes a nation rich or powerful? • How does geography affect wealth and power?

Location as a Source of Wealth and Power • The Atlantic Ocean was a barrier to trade • Wealth and power due to inland location