West African Empires (Ghana, Mali, Songhai)

Because they were the only kingdoms in Africa

Because they played a significant role in trade, culture, and the spread of religion

Because they were isolated from the rest of the world

Because they were the first kingdoms to use iron tools

Almoravids and Almohads

Fatimids and Abbasids

Umayyads and Abbasids

Mamluks and Almoravids

Desert, Savanna, Rainforest, Tundra

Rainforest, Steppe, Mediterranean, Taiga

Savanna, Deciduous forest, Alpine, Mangrove

Desert, Grassland, Swamp, Rainforest

Gold and salt

Ivory and spices

Textiles and copper

Silver and wheat

Gold and salt; gold was needed in the North and salt was needed in the West

Copper and spices; copper was needed in the West and spices in the North

Ivory and cloth; ivory was needed in the North and cloth in the West

Slaves and weapons; slaves were needed in the North and weapons in the West

Gold

Spices

Leather goods

Salt

Ghana was located further east than Mali.

Mali was located further south than Ghana.

Mali expanded further east than Ghana.

Ghana and Mali covered exactly the same territory.

King Sundiata

Mansa Musa

Al-Nasir Muhammad

Mahmud Kati

Devaluation of gold in local economies

Increase in local gold prices

Economic devastation in Cairo, Medina, and Mecca

Direct control of gold prices in the Mediterranean

Recruiting teachers and leaders

Trading gold for goods

Conquering new lands

Meeting with the Prophet

Gao

Koumbi Saleh

Timbuktu

Jenne

Civil war and invaders

Weak successors

Loss of trade routes

Technological advancements

Gold

Ivory

Cotton

Spices